ObesityWeek is a leading global conference for researchers and doctors focused on obesity treatment and weight loss. It showcases the latest in obesity science, including groundbreaking research and advanced obesity treatment methods. The conference highlights the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to tackle obesity, covering everything from basic research to practical applications and public policy. It addresses various topics, like medication-induced weight loss, diet, exercise, lifestyle, medical and surgical obesity treatments, and psychological factors. The event also focuses on different age groups, from children to the elderly and underserved communities. ObesityWeek 2024 is scheduled for November 2-6 in San Antonio, Texas.
What does the CDC say about obesity?
Currently, about 40% of adults in the United States are affected by obesity. Obesity is a big health issue in the U.S. that impacts millions. New numbers show a small drop in obesity rates among adults, going from 41.9% to 40.3%. Despite this decrease, experts believe the change is too minor to be meaningful and doesn’t link the change to any specific obesity treatment directly.
Some obesity treatments that may have had an effect are new medication-induced weight loss drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound. According to a survey by health policy research firm KFF, 12% of adults reported using GLP-1 for weight loss. Market research suggests that the GLP-1 market could reach $200 billion by 2031 and that 16 new obesity drugs might become available in the next five years.
The Role of GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 agonists, are a newer type of obesity treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help manage type 2 diabetes. They work best alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle changes. These medications help control blood sugar levels and manage body weight by boosting insulin production when needed, reducing glucagon release, slowing down how fast the stomach empties, and making you feel full longer. What follows is a list of the medication-induced weight loss drugs based on GLP-1 agonists that have been approved by the FDA.
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Zepbound (tirzepatide, which is a combination glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist and GLP-1 agonist.)
These drugs work by imitating a natural hormone called GLP-1, which is made in the gut when you eat. GLP-1 receptors are found in organs like the pancreas, stomach, and heart. In the pancreas, these medicines help produce and release insulin, grow new insulin cells, and reduce the death of these cells. GLP-1 agonists also work in the stomach by slowing down how quickly it empties. These receptors are also found throughout the brain and can help people feel full, which can lead to eating less.
Can I buy Ozempic or Wegovy?
A prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is necessary for semaglutide, the molecule at the heart of Ozempic and Wegovy. The provider will assess medical history, blood tests, and other factors to determine eligibility. Semaglutide and other medication-induced weight loss solutions are available for online purchase through IsraelPharm.
Emerging Obesity Treatments and Trends.
Medication-induced weight loss is here to stay, and its presence is expected to expand substantially. Karen Andersen, an equity strategist at Morningstar, estimated the current market size to be around $50 billion. In the coming three to four years, many other global pharmaceutical companies are expected to introduce their own versions of medication-induced weight loss drugs.
Analysts predict that by 2031, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly will keep controlling about two-thirds of the market, thanks to their early entry with products like Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Zepbound, and Mounjaro. Other companies are expected to share the remaining $70 billion of the GLP-1 market.
Will weight loss drugs get cheaper?
Analysts believe Lilly and Novo will reduce the prices of their products by more than 10% by 2027. This price drop is expected to help them remain competitive and increase their chances of getting more health insurance coverage.
Challenges for Weight Regainers
Obesity is tough to treat, and even though there are many studies on weight loss, not much research has been done on keeping the weight off. People who tend to maintain their weight loss are those who keep up the strategies they used to initially lose weight, continue to weigh themselves regularly, and use problem-solving and positive thinking more than regainers. Weight regainers found it hard to stick to food and exercise habits and struggled with motivation and accountability. This suggests that keeping weight off could be easier with better long-term self-monitoring and problem-solving and that success might depend on mental habits and actions.
Strategies to Support Long-Term Weight Loss Maintenance
People often regain the weight they lose for several reasons. Luckily, there are some strategies they can use to try to keep the weight off once it has been lost. Here are some of the most common reasons my clients tend to regain weight and what they can try to move into a maintenance state instead:
They lost weight with a highly restrictive diet
Restrictive diets can lead to slower metabolism and changes in the hormones that control hunger, which might cause you to regain weight. Thinking of a diet as just a quick fix instead of a long-term way to improve health can also make you more likely to quit and regain lost weight. These diets emphasize strict rules rather than lifestyle adjustments, which can be discouraging and hinder maintaining a healthy weight. The best diets are ones that are easy to implement, calorie-balanced to your energy output, and don’t leave you feeling like you’re missing out.Â
They stop exercising
Regular exercise is important to keep your weight steady after losing it. It helps burn extra calories and boosts your metabolism, which helps balance the energy you take in with what you use. When you burn as many calories as you eat, your weight will likely stay the same. Research shows that people who exercise at least 200 minutes a week, or about 30 minutes daily, are more successful at keeping their weight off. Sometimes, you might need to exercise even more, with some studies suggesting an hour a day. Remember, exercise works best when paired with other healthy habits.
They skip breakfast
People who eat breakfast tend to have healthier habits, like exercising more and getting more fiber and nutrients. Many successful weight-loss maintainers report eating breakfast regularly. For example, a study found that 78% of nearly 3,000 people who kept off 30 pounds for a year or more ate breakfast daily. Understandably, this information frustrates those who are on an intermittent fasting diet. If you are on this diet, it is better to skip your final meal of the day rather than your first.Â
They don’t eat enough high-quality protein with each meal
Eating a lot of protein can help you maintain your weight because it makes you feel full and reduces your appetite. Protein increases certain hormones in your body that tell you you’re full and helps with weight control. It also lowers hormones that make you feel hungry. Because of this, eating more protein may naturally lead you to eat fewer calories each day, which is important for keeping your weight stable.
They become too discouraged after a setbackÂ
Experiencing setbacks is a normal part of trying to maintain your weight. Sometimes, you might miss a workout or eat too much cake. However, these occasional mistakes don’t mean you should abandon your goals. Just get back on track and make healthier choices going forward. Planning ahead for challenging situations, like a vacation or holiday, can also help you stick to healthy eating habits.
They don’t get enough good quality sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for controlling weight. Not sleeping enough can lead to weight gain in adults and make it harder to maintain a healthy weight. This happens partly because lack of sleep increases ghrelin, a hormone that makes you feel hungry. Also, people who don’t sleep well tend to have lower levels of leptin, a hormone that helps control appetite. When you’re tired from not getting enough sleep, you’re less likely to exercise and make healthy food choices. If you’re not getting enough rest, try to change your sleep habits. Aim to sleep at least seven hours a night for better weight control and overall health.
They don’t manage their stress levels
Managing stress is crucial for keeping your weight in check. High stress can lead to weight gain by raising cortisol levels, a hormone the body releases when stressed. More cortisol can result in extra belly fat and a bigger appetite, leading to overeating. Stress often causes people to eat impulsively, even when they’re not hungry. Luckily, there are many ways to reduce stress, such as exercising, practicing yoga, or meditating.
They lack support
Keeping up with your weight goals on your own can be tough. One way to tackle this challenge is by finding a support system that can keep you on track and maybe even join you in living a healthy lifestyle. Having a buddy to work with on your goals can help you manage your weight better. This is especially true if that person is a partner or spouse with similar healthy habits.
What age group is most obese?
Individuals aged 40 to 59 have a higher likelihood of experiencing obesity, with over 44% affected in this age group. In comparison, 39.8% of those aged 20 to 39 and 41.5% of people over 60 also face obesity.
Whether on a weight management journey through diet and exercise alone, or with the help of weight loss drugs like Ozempic, the good news is that the future looks pretty bright for even more viable treatment options to help you on your way.Â
