Obesity

Life with Obesity

Living with extra or excess weight can create many challenges. Obesity as a term means that an individual has too much body mass. This is determined by a person's Body Mass Index, or BMI. When this is calculated to be over 30 (based on current height and weight), a person is clinically considered to be 'obese.' Obesity is the result of consuming more calories than the body can make use of. This may be the result of genetic, environmental, or lifestyle factors. Many people living with obesity feel that they are in good health physically and emotionally; others face struggles based on their weight. Physically, obesity can lead to chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease or back pain. Emotionally, people with obesity may feel discriminated against or unfairly judged. As medical researchers learn more about the dynamics of weight gain, new treatments are emerging that can help those interested in overcoming obesity, particularly those for whom diet changes and fitness programs have not been effective.

Options for managing Obesity

Losing weight is the only way a person can lower their BMI. Historically, lifestyle changes have been a primary approach to weight loss. Combining dietary changes -- consuming fewer 'empty' calories high in sugar or carbs along with more calories from protein rich foods -- along with increased physical activity can lead to weight loss for many. Others will need additional tools to find success with adopting a more active lifestyle. Dietitians, nutritionists, and personal trainers can be helpful is encouraging weight loss through personalized programs based on goals. Until fairly recently, medical options for obese individuals seeking significant weight loss were largely surgical in nature. With the introduction of GLP-1 agonists, initially developed to help in the control of blood sugar in those with diabetes, new options are continuously emerging for promoting weight loss. Additionally, these breakthroughs are leading to new understandings of how and why some individuals are more prone to weight gain.

Advances in treatment

GLP-1 agonists have been highly publicized for their ability to help patients seeking to lose weight. While research continues to advance this class of drugs, other new approaches for weight management are being studied by clinical researchers. For example, small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics are a cutting-edge approach being explored to target obesity genetically. By targeting what is called the 'RNA interference pathway' these treatments aim to shut down specific genes involved in obesity related disease development.

You can get involved

With each passing year the medical community obtains a greater understanding of factors related to weight gain and risk for obesity and related disease development. Clinical research studies play an important role in ultimately bringing new therapies to market and also identifying effective combinations of diet, exercise and medicines capable of transforming patient lives. Want to explore research opportunities? Take a look at trials that may be recruiting near you!

RECRUITING TRIALS

References

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What are overweight and obesity? Updated March 24, 2022
Mayo Clinic: Obesity: Symptoms and Causes. Updated July 22, 2023
Cleveland Clinic: GLP-1 Agonists Updated July 25, 2023