For decades, obesity was seen mainly as a lifestyle problem — something to fix with diet and exercise alone. While lifestyle change is still the foundation, global medical guidelines now recognise obesity as a chronic disease that often needs medical treatment, including newer medicines like GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Humanising the Science
A 50-year-old patient once shared: “For 20 years, I believed my weight was entirely my fault. When the doctors explained that my body’s hormones were working against me — and that treatments existed to help — I felt an enormous sense of relief.”
That emotional shift can be just as powerful as the physical transformation. Understanding that science is on their side helps people let go of self-blame, regain confidence, and stay motivated on their journey.
Obesity is not your fault, and help is available.
The Traditional Approaches Weren’t Enough
Research shows that up to 80–90% of people regain lost weight within two years when relying solely on dieting.[1] The reason is biology:
- Hunger hormones like ghrelin rise, increasing appetite
- Satiety signals like GLP-1 fall, reducing fullness
- The brain defends a higher “set point” weight by slowing metabolism.
What the Global Guidelines Say
Over the past few years, leading medical bodies have updated their recommendations:
- World Health Organization (WHO): Defines obesity as a chronic disease and supports medical treatment when lifestyle efforts aren’t enough.[2]
- American Diabetes Association: Endorses GLP-1 receptor agonists for people with obesity, especially when weight impacts metabolic health.[3]
- European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO): Recognises GLP-1 therapies as standard of care for eligible people.[4]
- Endocrine Society: Recommends anti-obesity medicines, including GLP-1s, when lifestyle changes alone don’t lead to meaningful weight loss.[5]
The Science Behind GLP-1s
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a natural hormone that regulates appetite, satiety, and blood sugar. In obesity, GLP-1 activity is often impaired.
GLP-1–based medicines help by:
- Reducing appetite and cravings
- Slowing stomach emptying, so fullness lasts longer
- Supporting healthier eating habits
- Improving blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Evidence That Speaks for Itself
The initial trials showed that people on GLP-1 therapy with lifestyle support lost 15–20% of body weight in 68 weeks, versus just 2–3% with lifestyle alone.[6]
Beyond weight, people saw improvements in:
- Type 2 diabetes risk
- Cardiovascular risk factors
- Fatty liver disease
- Patients also reported better quality of life, mobility, and confidence.
Explore safe, guideline-backed weight management support.
Why Talking to Your Doctor Matters
GLP-1 therapies have shown remarkable results, but they aren’t for everyone. A doctor will evaluate:
- BMI and waist circumference
- Metabolic health (diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol)
- Medical history and suitability
- Lifestyle and psychological support needs
For some, lifestyle alone works. For others, surgery may be an option. For many, a combination of lifestyle and medicines like GLP-1s is the most effective path.
Speak to an expert to understand if GLP-1 therapy is right for you.
Looking Ahead: People Finally Have Sustainable, Science-Backed Options
By 2030, obesity is expected to affect over 1 billion people globally.[7] Without effective solutions, this will drive epidemics of diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease.
Global guidelines are now clear; obesity deserves the same seriousness as other chronic diseases. With modern tools like GLP-1 therapies.
Final Takeaway
For people living with obesity, new global guidelines bring validation, options, and hope — recognising obesity as a medical condition, not a personal failure. With proven treatments and lifestyle support, doctors worldwide are now guided to treat it like any other chronic disease, with compassion and evidence-based care.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor before considering any treatment.
References:
[1] Hall KD, Kahan S. Maintenance of lost weight and long-term management of obesity. Med Clin North Am. 2018 Jan;102(1):183-97. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.08.012. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5764193/
[2] World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2024. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
[3] American Diabetes Association. The American Diabetes Association Highlights Innovations in New Drug Therapies for Patients with Obesity [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/american-diabetes-association-highlights-innovations-new-drug-therapies
[4] European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO). Supporting Women with Obesity Across the Reproductive Life: New EASO Position Statement [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://easo.org/supporting-women-with-obesity-across-the-reproductive-life-new-easo-position-statement/
[5] Endocrine Society. Study finds patients with interrupted GLP-1 access still achieve significant weight loss [Internet]. 2025. Available from: https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/endo-annual-meeting/endo-2025-press-releases/medeiros-press-release
[6] Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal L, Lingvay I, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989-1002. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567185/
[7] World Obesity Federation. One billion people globally are estimated to be living with obesity by 2030 [Internet]. 2024. Available from: https://www.worldobesity.org/news/one-billion-people-globally-estimated-to-be-living-with-obesity-by-2030