Explore the evolving treatment landscape for obesity through Novotech CRO’s latest disease report. Gain key insights into obesity prevalence, regional disparities, therapeutic advances, and global clinical trial activity shaping the future of obesity management.
Obesity is a chronic disease defined by excessive fat accumulation, typically diagnosed by a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30, whereas individuals with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 are classified as overweight. It significantly raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared obesity a global health crisis, with one in eight people worldwide living with obesity (2022). Obesity now affects over 900 million adults globally, with a particularly high burden in high-income countries and rising rates across middle-income countries.
Regional trends highlight the increasing global burden of obesity. In 2025, the Americas region reported the highest obesity burden with 246 million affected adults, followed by Europe at 213 million, and the Western Pacific at 160 million. Countries like the U.S., Mexico, the U.K., and Australia show some of the highest adult overweight and obesity prevalence rates. In contrast, Southeast Asia and Africa currently show lower numbers but are projected to double by 2035, reflecting a global shift in disease burden. These disparities underline the urgent need for early detection, equitable care access, and culturally adapted public health interventions.
The standard of care includes lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have emerged as key components of medical therapy, with evidence supporting their role in promoting weight reduction. Regulatory guidelines from major health organizations advocate their use for patients with a BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidities. However, cost and long-term access remain major barriers to widespread use.
Building on current treatment approaches, the global obesity clinical trial landscape is rapidly expanding, with a CAGR of ~20% since 2019 and over 1,400 trials initiated and ongoing. Asia-Pacific led with 43% of global trials, followed by North America and Europe. Mainland China and the U.S. emerged as major contributors, with Germany, South Korea, and Australia also showing strong early-phase trial activity. Most obesity clinical trials are concentrated in Phase I and II, highlighting the focus on early- to mid-stage development.
Advancement in obesity treatment and biomarkers are driving more targeted and effective interventions. GLP-1 receptor agonists remain central to therapy, while dual/triple GLP-1/GIP agonists (e.g. tirzepatide) offer enhanced weight loss. Emerging non-GLP-1 approaches, including MGAT2 inhibitors and ACTR2 antagonists, provide alternatives for resistant cases. Gene therapies and microbiome-based interventions further diversify treatment strategies. Complementing these innovations, key biomarkers such as leptin, adiponectin, CRP, and IL-6 support early detection and guide targeted therapies for obesity’s underlying metabolic and inflammatory pathways.
With increasing focus on advancing treatment for obesity, investment in research has grown significantly through public and venture capital funding. From 2019 to 2024, the U.S. attracted over $3.4 billion in venture capital, with growing interest from China, South Korea, and Switzerland. Public initiatives, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's High Obesity Program and the National Cancer Institute's Obesity Policy Research, support preventive strategies and health equity.
Novotech, a global clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO), collaborates with biotech firms to accelerate advanced therapeutics development across all phases. Recognized for industry leadership, Novotech has earned multiple awards, including the Frost & Sullivan 2024 Global Biotech CRO Award and the 2024 Employer of Choice.
Discover more about obesity by downloading our comprehensive disease report.