Obesity is a chronic, progressive metabolic disease driven by excessive fat accumulation, increasing the risk of serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers.
This FAQ explores the latest developments in obesity treatment, global clinical trial activity, and innovations shaping the future of weight management.
1. Why is obesity considered a global health crisis by the World Health Organization?
The World Health Organization classifies obesity as a major global health concern due to its dramatic rise across all age groups and income levels. Since 1990, obesity rates have doubled among adults and quadrupled among adolescents. As of 2022, more than 900 million adults were living with obesity globally. High-income countries such as the United States and Mexico report some of the highest rates of overweight and obesity. At the same time, middle-income countries are experiencing rapid increases, reflecting the widespread and growing impact of overweight and obesity worldwide.
2. What are the treatment options for obesity?
Obesity treatment involves a tailored approach combining lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy, and, if needed, bariatric surgery. First-line strategies include diet, exercise, and behavioral therapy. Medications like GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide) and dual agonists (tirzepatide) are used for BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with complications. Bariatric surgery is considered for severe cases (BMI ≥40 or ≥35 with comorbidities).
3. What role do biomarkers play in managing obesity more effectively?
Biomarkers are increasingly being used to guide early diagnosis, monitor treatment response, and develop tailored therapeutic strategies. Key obesity-related biomarkers such as leptin, adiponectin, CRP, and IL-6 provide insight into the metabolic and inflammatory processes that drive the disease. Their integration into clinical research enables the design of personalized therapies and helps address the multifactorial nature of obesity.
4. What are the recent trends in clinical trials for obesity, particularly in terms of geographical distribution?
Since 2019, global clinical trial activity for obesity has surged, with over 1,400 trials initiated. Asia-Pacific leads in trial activity (43%), followed by North America and Europe. Mainland China and the United States are the top contributors, with significant participation from Germany, South Korea, and Australia. The majority of obesity clinical trials are in Phase I and II, indicating a strong emphasis on early to mid-stage drug development.
5. What are the latest innovations in obesity treatment beyond GLP-1 therapies?
While GLP-1 receptor agonists remain the backbone of pharmacologic obesity treatment, research has expanded into dual/triple GLP-1/GIP agonists like tirzepatide and retatrutide, which show improved metabolic outcomes. Additionally, non-GLP-1 pathways are gaining momentum, with drugs such as MGAT2 inhibitors and ACTR2 antagonists in development. Other novel strategies include gene therapies targeting metabolic regulation and microbiome-based interventions aimed at restoring gut balance. These approaches offer new hope for patients unresponsive to existing therapies and reflect advancement towards personalized obesity care.