EASO Elevates Semaglutide and Tirzepatide to First-Line Obesity Treatment
LONDON – October 2,2025 – In a landmark shift for obesity care,the European Association for the Study of obesity (EASO) today issued new guidance recommending semaglutide and tirzepatide as first-line treatments for obesity and the majority of its associated health complications. This represents a important departure from traditional approaches focused primarily on lifestyle interventions, acknowledging the potent efficacy of these medications in achieving considerable and sustained weight loss.
Obesity affects millions across Europe and globally, driving a surge in related conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. The EASO’s updated recommendations signal a recognition that pharmacological intervention, alongside lifestyle changes, is crucial for effectively addressing this growing public health crisis. This guidance is expected to reshape clinical practice, offering new hope for individuals struggling with obesity and its debilitating consequences, and possibly reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
The EASO guidance is based on a growing body of evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of both semaglutide and tirzepatide.These medications, initially developed for diabetes management, have shown remarkable weight loss capabilities in clinical trials. A recent Phase 3 trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Sanyal AJ, et al., 2025) highlighted semaglutide’s positive impact on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), further solidifying its potential beyond weight management alone.
The new recommendations encompass a broad range of obesity-related complications,positioning semaglutide and tirzepatide as appropriate interventions for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) meeting obesity criteria,particularly those experiencing health issues linked to excess weight. Healthcare professionals are now equipped with evidence-based support to consider these medications earlier in the treatment pathway,potentially preventing the progression of obesity-related diseases.
Reference:
Sanyal AJ,Newsome PN,Kliers I,et al. Phase 3 trial of semaglutide in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. N Engl J Med.2025;392(21):2089-2099. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2413258
Source: EASO. “Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Recommended as First-Line Treatment of Obesity and Most of Its Complications in New Guidance from European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO).” News release. October 2, 2025. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://easo.org/semaglutide-and-tirzepatide-recommended-as-first-line-treatment-of-obesity-and-most-of-its-complications-in-new-guidance-from-european-association-for-the-study-of-obesity-easo/
