Overview
Obesity is a significant health concern that can lead to various complications throughout the body. It has both direct and indirect
impacts on multiple body systems.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat, which can sometimes result in poor
health. While body fat itself is not inherently harmful, an excess can alter the way your body functions, leading to progressive changes
that may worsen over time and result in adverse health effects.
The encouraging news is that reducing excess body fat can significantly lower these health risks. Even modest weight loss can have a
profound impact on your health. However, it is essential to note that not all weight loss methods are effective for everyone, and
maintaining weight loss can be as challenging as achieving it.
Is Obesity Defined by Your Weight?
Healthcare providers often use the Body Mass Index (BMI) as a general tool to define obesity within the population. BMI measures
body weight relative to height, with a BMI of 30 or higher generally indicating obesity. Despite its limitations, BMI is a simple and
helpful indicator of obesity-related health risks.
For instance, athletes and bodybuilders might have a higher BMI due to increased muscle mass, even though their body fat levels are
low. Conversely, individuals with a "normal" weight but a high body fat percentage may face similar health risks as those with a
higher BMI.
Healthcare providers also observe ethnic differences in the relationship between body weight and health risks. For example, people of
Asian descent may experience health risks at a lower BMI, while Black individuals may face these risks at a higher BMI. Another
method to assess obesity is by measuring waist circumference, which can indicate a higher risk of obesity-related diseases when it
exceeds 35 inches for females and 40 inches for males.
Types of Obesity
Obesity is classified into different categories based on severity, using BMI as a guide:
● Class I Obesity: BMI 30 to <35 kg/m².
● Class II Obesity: BMI 35 to <40 kg/m².
● Class III Obesity: BMI 40+ kg/m².
Class III obesity was previously termed "morbid obesity" due to the high likelihood of associated health problems, but this term is
now outdated due to its negative connotations.
Childhood Obesity
In children, obesity is also assessed using BMI, but it is calculated relative to the child's age and sex. A child over two years old may
be diagnosed with obesity if their BMI is greater than 95% of their peers.
Prevalence of Obesity
Obesity among American adults was last surveyed in 2017-2018, revealing a prevalence of 42.5%, a significant increase from 30.5%
in 1999-2000. Class III obesity nearly doubled during the same period, rising from 4.7% to 9.2%. In children, the prevalence of
obesity was 19.3% in 2017-2018. Globally, obesity has nearly tripled in the past 50 years, particularly in low-income countries where
access to high-calorie, low-nutrient foods has increased.
Symptoms and Causes
How Does Obesity Affect the Body?
Obesity can impact the body in various ways. Some effects are mechanical, such as the additional pressure on the skeleton and joints
from extra weight. Others are more subtle, involving chemical changes in the blood that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease,
and stroke. Some effects, like the increased risk of certain cancers, are not fully understood. However, studies consistently show that
even small amounts of weight loss can significantly reduce these risks.
Metabolic Changes
The body's metabolism converts calories into energy, but when there are excess calories, they are stored as fat in adipose tissue. Over
time, fat cells enlarge and secrete hormones and chemicals that trigger inflammation, contributing to insulin resistance, high blood
sugar, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. These combined factors are known as metabolic syndrome, which not only reinforces
further weight gain but also complicates weight loss.
Health Risks Associated with Metabolic Syndrome:
● Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes by seven-fold in males and twelve-fold in females. The risk
rises by 20% for each additional point on the BMI scale.
● Cardiovascular Diseases: Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and inflammation increase the risk of
cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.
● Fatty Liver Disease: Excess fats in the blood can lead to chronic liver inflammation and long-term liver damage.
● Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease is often linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, and liver disease.
● Gallstones: Higher cholesterol levels increase the risk of cholesterol gallstones and related diseases.
Direct Effects of Obesity
Excess body fat can put stress on the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems, leading to conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea,
osteoarthritis, and back pain. For example, gaining 5 kg increases the risk of knee arthritis by 36%, but losing 10% of body weight can
significantly reduce arthritis-related pain.
Indirect Effects of Obesity
Obesity is also associated with cognitive decline, including an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, female infertility, pregnancy
complications, depression, mood disorders, and certain cancers such as breast, colorectal, and ovarian.
Causes of Obesity
At its core, obesity results from consuming more calories than the body can use, but various factors contribute to this imbalance,
including:
● Dietary Factors: The availability of fast and convenience foods, which are high in calories and low in nutrients, contributes
significantly to obesity. Sugar is pervasive in the food industry, often hidden in everyday foods, which alters taste expectations
and promotes addictive eating patterns.
● Marketing and Advertising: Advertising plays a significant role in normalizing unhealthy food choices and alcohol
consumption.
● Psychological Factors: Emotions such as boredom, loneliness, and anxiety can lead to overeating, especially of high-calorie
foods that activate pleasure centers in the brain.
● Hormones: Hormonal imbalances, whether due to stress, lack of sleep, or genetic factors, can disrupt hunger and satiety
signals.
● Medications: Certain medications, like antidepressants and steroids, can contribute to weight gain.
Other contributing factors include a sedentary lifestyle, changes in the workforce, fatigue, and lack of access to safe and adequate
spaces for physical activity. Additionally, children are at risk due to changes in childcare trends and the environment.
Diagnosis and Tests
Healthcare providers diagnose obesity by measuring weight, height, and waist circumference and by evaluating an individual's overall
health history, including medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors. Blood tests may be conducted to check glucose and
cholesterol levels and screen for hormone problems.
Management and Treatment
How is Obesity Treated?
Treatment for obesity is personalised based on an individual's health profile. The plan typically targets the most urgent health concerns
first. Then it follows with a long-term weight loss strategy, which may include dietary changes, increased physical activity, behavioral
therapies, medication, or, in severe cases, weight loss surgery.
● Dietary Changes: Adjustments might include reducing portion sizes, changing the types of food consumed, or incorporating
more plant-based foods into the diet.
● Increased Activity: Regular physical activity, such as walking, can significantly aid in weight loss and maintenance.
● Behavioural Therapies: Counseling, support groups, and cognitive behavioural therapy can provide the psychological support
needed for successful weight loss.
● Medication: Medications may be prescribed to suppress appetite or alter metabolism, but they are typically used in
conjunction with other treatments.
● Weight Loss Surgery: Bariatric surgery is considered for individuals with class III obesity, as it alters the digestive system to
promote significant, long-term weight loss.
Prevention
Preventing obesity is more accessible than treating it. Early intervention, mindful eating, regular physical activity, and overall
wellness practices can help maintain a healthy weight. Small changes, like cutting out a daily high-calorie snack or increasing physical
activity, can make a significant difference over time.
Outlook / Prognosis
While obesity poses serious health risks, these risks are manageable and even reversible with appropriate intervention. Weight loss of
just 5% to 10% can significantly reduce the risk of diseases such as fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Working
closely with a healthcare provider, you can achieve and maintain weight loss, improving your health and quality of life.
Public Health Impact of Obesity
Life Expectancy: Obesity, a prevalent lifestyle disease in modern times, not only leads to serious health conditions but also
significantly reduces average life expectancy. Adult obesity is a strong indicator of premature mortality. The Framingham Heart
Study, a long-term cohort study, found that individuals who were obese at age 40 lost 6 to 7 years of life expectancy. The impact was
even more pronounced among obese smokers, with nearly double the years of life lost.
Quality of Life: Obesity detrimentally affects both physical and psychosocial aspects of quality of life, with the impact being more
severe in those who are morbidly obese. Self-reported Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) among obese individuals deteriorates as
BMI increases. HRQL is commonly assessed using the SF-36 (Short-Form Health Survey), which includes 36 questions across eight
domains: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health problems, social functioning, bodily pain, mental well-being,
emotional role limitations, energy, and general health perceptions. The risk of chronic medical conditions is nearly doubled in those
with morbid obesity compared to those who are merely overweight. Additionally, obesity imposes a considerable psychological
burden, worsened by societal emphasis on thinness. Research by Sullivan et al. found that obese women experience more significant
psychosocial effects than obese men.
Prevalence of Obesity-Associated Diseases: Individuals who are obese during childhood are likely to remain obese into adulthood,
putting them at higher risk for obesity-related non-communicable diseases (OR-NCDs) at an earlier age. These diseases, including
type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, have seen a global
increase. The WHO has identified these non-communicable diseases as key targets for global disease prevention. Compared to their
normal-weight counterparts, severely obese individuals lose approximately eight disease-free years, while those with mild obesity lose
about four.
Employment: Obesity is a significant factor in employment discrimination, particularly affecting obese women more than men. It can
lead to lower employment rates and increased self-reported work limitations compared to normal-weight individuals.
Economic Impact: Obesity is estimated to account for over 20% of annual healthcare expenditures in the United States. Medical costs
for obese individuals are 30% to 40% higher than those for normal-weight individuals, exceeding the cost increase associated with
smoking. The direct costs of obesity include expenses related to diagnosing and treating obesity and its associated chronic conditions,
such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Indirect costs stem from lost wages due to illness and premature death, higher
expenses for disability and insurance claims, and reduced workplace productivity
Weight Bias in Health Care
Weight bias within the healthcare system can manifest as either explicit (consciously expressed) or implicit (unconsciously expressed)
attitudes. Implicit weight bias is not uncommon among healthcare providers. Often, healthcare providers (HCPs) share society's
negative biases toward individuals who are overweight or obese, which can negatively impact the quality of care patients receive.
Many HCPs adhere to the energy balance theory of weight control, which suggests that obesity is primarily a matter of personal
responsibility, thereby limiting the scope of effective counselling.
To mitigate weight bias in healthcare practice, several interventions can be implemented:
● Educate healthcare professionals on the complex causes of obesity, including genetic, metabolic, and social factors.
● Raise awareness among providers that weight bias can influence the quality of care.
● Train medical students and professionals in communication techniques that minimise implicit bias.
● Introduce healthcare providers to counter-stereotypical examples of successful and intelligent individuals with obesity.
● Encourage HCPs to focus on overall health and ensure patients understand the comorbidities associated with obesity, alongside
weight management strategies.
● Promote the use of person-first language, such as "patients with obesity" rather than "obese patients," and terms like "high
BMI" instead of "morbid obesity" to foster patient motivation.
Pharmacokinetics in Obesity:
Pharmacokinetics, the study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and excreted by the body, is significantly influenced
by obesity. Obesity can alter these processes due to changes in body composition, such as increased fat mass and altered blood flow.
These changes can affect drug distribution, leading to variations in drug concentration and efficacy. Additionally, metabolic
alterations in the liver and kidneys can influence how drugs are metabolized and excreted, potentially requiring adjustments in drug
dosages for obese patients.
Key Case Studies:
Setmelanotide: Approved for rare genetic obesity syndromes, Setmelanotide acts by restoring the function of the melanocortin-4
receptor, which helps regulate hunger and energy expenditure. Clinical trials showed significant weight loss and decreased hunger in
patients with obesity due to genetic deficiencies.
Metreleptin: Used for leptin deficiency in lipodystrophy patients, Metreleptin improves metabolic parameters, such as reducing
cholesterol and blood glucose levels. It also decreases body weight and energy expenditure, demonstrating its effectiveness in
managing obesity-related metabolic dysfunctions.
Competitive Landscape
The U.S. elderly care services market is highly competitive, with numerous organizations offering similar services. Companies with
extensive geographical reach, specialized expertise, and strong brand recognition tend to hold a larger market share. Key players in the
market include Brookdale Senior Living, Lincare, Amedisys, LHC Group, and Davita, all of whom have established a significant
presence in the U.S. elderly care services industry.
Category Details
Regional Insights
North America - Dominated the market with a 41.8% revenue share in 2022.
- Key factors: Development of reimbursement policies and a wide variety of long-term care
centres.
- Around 237,400 individuals in the U.S. were enrolled in adult day services centres (ADSCs)
in 2020.
Asia Pacific - Expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period.
- Changing family structures in countries like China are increasing the need for outside care
providers.
- The one-child policy (1980-2015) has led to more elderly people living alone, increasing
demand for care services.
Key Growth Factors - A growing geriatric population with long-term medical conditions.
- Increasing disposable income.
- Rising awareness of healthcare facilities in Japan, China, and India.
Actions to Address Obesity in U.S. Healthcare
The federal government plays a crucial role by conducting research to identify effective strategies that make it easier for communities
to engage in physical activity and maintain a healthy diet. It monitors obesity trends and related risk factors while also developing and
promoting guidelines for healthy dietary patterns and necessary levels of physical activity. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition
Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and farm-to-education initiatives help low-income families access nutritious foods.
Additionally, federal support is extended to children and families at higher risk of obesity through services offered at Federally
Qualified Health Centers, Head Start, WIC, and other agencies. The government also funds programs and provides resources to
promote healthy eating, food security, and physical activity, working in tandem with state, tribal, local, and territorial governments, as
well as academic institutions, the private sector, and community organisations to implement the White House National Strategy on
Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.
State and local governments are also taking significant steps to prevent obesity. Key strategies include improving nutrition, physical
activity, and breastfeeding in early care and education programs, and establishing policies that sustain Family Healthy Weight
Programs. Communities are being designed to better connect sidewalks, bicycle routes, and public transportation with homes, schools,
parks, and workplaces to encourage physical activity. Programs like voucher incentives and produce prescriptions are being expanded
to increase access to healthy foods. Moreover, state and local programs are promoting food service and nutrition guidelines in various
settings, such as worksites, food pantries, and faith-based organisations. They are also implementing policies to ensure continuity of
care for breastfeeding and partnering with business and civic leaders to create culturally tailored interventions that address poor
nutrition, physical inactivity, and tobacco use.
Healthcare providers have a vital role in managing obesity by measuring patients' weight and height, calculating body mass index
(BMI), and advising on disease prevention. They can refer patients with obesity to intensive programs like Family Healthy Weight and
Diabetes Prevention, counsel them on nutrition, physical activity, and adequate sleep, and use respectful, non-stigmatizing, person-
first language in all weight-related discussions. Providers should also connect patients and families with community services to help
them access healthy foods and physical activities, discuss treatment options for excess weight, and pursue continuing medical
education on obesity.
Everyone has a role to play in combating obesity. Individuals can adopt healthy eating habits, incorporating plenty of fruits and
vegetables as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Resources like MyPlate and tips for maintaining a healthy
weight can be helpful. It's also essential to get the recommended amount of physical activity, ensure sufficient sleep, manage stress,
and consult with healthcare providers about potential weight-related health concerns. Additionally, getting involved in local initiatives
aimed at improving access to healthier foods and physical activity can contribute to broader community health efforts.
The government’s efforts extend into schools, where programs like the National School Lunch Program and the Smart Snacks in
Schools initiative ensure that children receive nutritious meals that meet updated dietary guidelines. These programs are crucial in
shaping lifelong healthy habits. Still, they also serve as a social equaliser, ensuring that children from all backgrounds have access to
wholesome food that promotes both physical health and academic success.
Yet, these policies are only part of the solution. The government's interventions also recognise that where people live significantly
influences their health outcomes. Lower-income neighbourhoods are often saturated with fast food outlets and lack access to
supermarkets with healthier food options. Zoning policies and initiatives aimed at increasing access to fresh, nutritious food in
underserved areas have been explored, though their impact is still being measured.
A more controversial aspect of government involvement revolves around food marketing. With billions of dollars spent annually on
food advertising, most of which promotes unhealthy, high-calorie foods, children are often exposed to overwhelming messages that
encourage poor eating habits. Voluntary regulations on marketing to children have been introduced, but their effectiveness is limited
without more vigorous enforcement.
The government has also taken steps to influence consumer choices through updated labelling requirements. The Nutrition Facts label,
now redesigned to emphasise caloric content and added sugars, is intended to help Americans make healthier choices when buying
food. While the long-term effects of such labelling are still debated, they represent an essential step toward increasing consumer
awareness.
Pricing strategies, such as the proposed taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, have shown promise in reducing consumption of high-
calorie drinks. These initiatives mirror past successes in tobacco regulation, suggesting that economic measures could be an effective
tool in curbing obesity rates.
However, as the document points out, government efforts have predominantly focused on prevention, while clinical treatment for
those already living with obesity has been somewhat neglected. Access to evidence-based obesity care, including counselling,
medication, and bariatric surgery, remains limited for many, particularly those reliant on public healthcare programs like Medicare and
Medicaid. More government action is needed to bridge this gap and ensure that all Americans can access comprehensive obesity care.
The fight against obesity requires a multifaceted approach, integrating prevention with robust clinical treatment and research. The U.S.
government has made significant strides, but with obesity rates continuing to rise, now is the time to expand these efforts and address
this growing epidemic at every level. From food policies to healthcare access, the government's role in the fight against obesity must
evolve to meet the complex challenges ahead.
1. Integration of Weight Management in Healthcare Services:
● Healthcare providers are encouraged to screen patients for obesity and provide appropriate weight management interventions.
This includes annual assessments of patients' nutrition and physical activity behaviours, with the goal of integrating weight
management into routine healthcare services.
● Reimbursement for weight management services is being extended to healthcare professionals, including nutrition counselling
and physical activity programs, through Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurers.
2. Promotion of Breastfeeding:
● Recognising the role of breastfeeding in reducing the risk of childhood obesity, healthcare providers are promoting
breastfeeding as a critical strategy. This includes supporting breastfeeding through education, peer counselling, and the
establishment of lactation centres at workplaces and schools.
3. Training Healthcare Providers:
● Healthcare professionals are receiving enhanced training on obesity prevention and management. This includes education on
healthy eating, active living, and the complex factors contributing to obesity, such as genetics and social determinants of
health.
4. Policy Development and Implementation:
● Policies are being developed to ensure that healthcare providers are equipped to address obesity. This includes implementing
evidence-based core measures for the assessment, prevention, and management of overweight and obesity in primary care
settings.
5. Addressing Social Determinants and Access to Services:
● Efforts are being made to address the social determinants of health that contribute to obesity, such as access to healthy foods
and physical activity. The healthcare system is working to remove barriers that prevent individuals from adopting healthier
lifestyles, particularly in underserved communities.
6. Collaboration and Community Engagement:
● The healthcare system is working in collaboration with community organisations, government agencies, and other stakeholders
to create a supportive environment for obesity prevention. This includes promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and access
to preventive health services across various community settings, such as schools, worksites, and faith-based institutions.
These actions reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing obesity, recognising that effective prevention and management require a
combination of clinical interventions, policy changes, and community support.
Market prospects related to healthcare:
At least 76% of individuals in the U.S., U.K., Sweden, Germany and Japan agreed with the notion that the government should shift
funding toward preventing diseases to reduce health disparities. When it comes to improving health through connected care, in all
markets, both individuals and healthcare providers consider multiple stakeholders responsible for creating a more connected
healthcare system. In the U.K., however, PCPs are more likely to say it’s the government’s job to create a more connected healthcare
system. Yet when we reviewed recent healthcare reforms in the markets covered within our survey, such as the U.K.’s Health and
Care Act of 2022 and the Inflation Reduction Act in the U.S., we found little, in many markets to address the specific problems
identified by respondents, such as long travel times to visit PCPs and specialists, an overall lack of trust in the healthcare system and
not enough focus on long-term health.
A New Era in Obesity Treatment
The year 2023 marked a significant shift in the approach to treating obesity. For the first time, we are witnessing the birth of a major
new market for prescription medications that promise to have an unprecedented impact not only on obesity but also on the myriad of
health issues associated with it. What’s different now is the increasing willingness of patients, particularly those who are wealthier, to
pay out of pocket for these effective treatments, addressing some of the significant market access challenges. This willingness creates
new commercial opportunities and highlights the potential for substantial growth in the pharmaceutical industry.
This emerging mega-sized therapy market for obesity could be a critical factor in the rise of the world's first trillion-dollar life sciences
company. However, this potential success is not without its challenges. There are concerns about the cost to healthcare systems and
the equity of access, particularly for patients with the greatest unmet needs. Additionally, there could be impacts on existing medical
technologies currently used to manage obesity-related conditions, such as knee replacements or CPAP machines for sleep apnea.
Key Companies & Details
Market Share Insights
Technological - Companies are focusing on research and development to introduce novel techniques.
Advancements
- Investment in R&D and compliance with regulatory policies are driving product
improvements.
Example - In January 2023, Baracoda launched BHeart, an innovative health tracker with an
unlimited battery.
- BHeart integrates seamlessly within bracelets and watch bands, using BMotion energy
harvesting technology to recharge itself from motion, body heat, and environmental light.
- BHeart collects and transmits health data to a smartphone app.
Healthcare Initiatives - Healthcare organisations are working to reduce hospital admissions and readmissions
among the elderly.
- In March 2023, Encompass Health Corporation launched the Care Transitions Program to
complement patient discharge plans and reduce hospital readmissions for older adults.
Prominent Players - Brookdale Senior Living Inc.
- EXTENDICARE
- Gentiva
- Knight Health Holdings, LLC (Kindred Hospitals)
- Sunrise Senior Living
- Genesis HealthCare
- Home Instead, Inc.
- GGNSC Holdings LLC
The Scope of the Challenge
Obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or more significant, is expected to affect 25% of the global
population by 2035, equivalent to 1.9 billion people. When considering those who are overweight (BMI between 25 kg/m2 and 30
kg/m2), this number swells to 4 billion people. The economic impact of this trend is staggering, with the global cost of obesity
projected to reach $4 trillion by 2035, representing 2.9% of global GDP.
Given these numbers, it’s no surprise that weight loss medications have become a focus of innovation. However, the obesity market
has a history of failed attempts, with previous drugs either lacking efficacy or causing serious safety issues, such as the notorious Fen-
Phen, which was withdrawn due to cardiac risks.
The introduction of GLP-1 receptor agonists, especially Wegovy, has been a game-changer. For the first time, pharmacological
interventions have delivered significant weight loss of 10-15%. Global spending on obesity treatments soared to nearly $24 billion in
2023, a sevenfold increase in just three years. Looking ahead, the market is expected to grow rapidly, potentially reaching $131 billion
by 2028, according to IQVIA's Global Use of Medicines 2024 report.
A market of this size would position obesity treatment as one of the "mega-therapy areas" alongside Oncology, Diabetes, and
Immunology. This new market is already disrupting the traditional hierarchy, with significant out-of-pocket spending by patients in
Europe and the U.S. defying previous assumptions about willingness to pay for obesity medications.
Innovation and the Competitive Landscape
The obesity treatment pipeline is robust, with over 80 clinical-stage assets in development. GLP-1 receptor agonists, both alone and in
combination with other agents, dominate the landscape. These include dual and triple agonists targeting multiple pathways
simultaneously, showing promise in pushing weight reduction to the mid-20% range or beyond.
Leading the charge are pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Lilly, whose innovative treatments are setting new benchmarks for
weight loss. However, the competition is fierce, and the market's future trajectory is uncertain, with many factors at play, including the
acceptance of obesity as a chronic disease, the budgetary impact on healthcare systems, and the results of ongoing cardiovascular
outcomes trials.
For instance, Novo’s SELECT trial, which was reported in 2023, demonstrated a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events among
obese patients treated with Wegovy. This outcome exceeded expectations and underscored the importance of cardiovascular outcomes
in securing market access and reimbursement. Lilly's ongoing trials, such as the SURMOUNT-MMO and SURPASS-CVOT, will
further shape the competitive landscape, with results expected to provide critical data on the long-term benefits of their obesity
treatments.
The Future of the Obesity Market
As we move into 2024, the obesity market is poised for rapid expansion, but its success hinges on several key drivers:
Compelling Cardiovascular Outcomes Data: Health systems prioritize treatments that demonstrate significant cardiovascular
benefits. The success of obesity treatments like Wegovy in reducing cardiovascular events will be crucial in expanding access and
securing reimbursement.
Updated Treatment Guidelines: The formal inclusion of pharmacotherapies in obesity treatment guidelines, particularly in
combination with positive cardiovascular outcomes data, will drive broader adoption and improve diagnosis and treatment rates.
Longer Treatment Durations: Newer obesity treatments are showing promise in maintaining long-term weight loss, which could
encourage patients to stay on therapy longer, leading to sustained market growth.
Expanded Access and Reimbursement: Overcoming historical barriers to coverage and reimbursement for obesity treatments will
be essential in making these therapies accessible to a broader patient population.
Investment in Real-World Evidence: Real-world studies will be critical in understanding the long-term value of obesity treatments,
particularly in diverse patient populations. These studies will help substantiate the benefits seen in clinical trials and support broader
adoption.
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