Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly Weight-Loss Drugs Recommended as First-Line Obesity Treatments by European Doctors
LONDON, November 21, 2023 – Leading European doctors are advocating for a important shift in obesity treatment protocols, recommending that medications like Novo NordiskS Wegovy and Eli Lilly‘s Mounjaro should be considered as first-line options for patients, rather than reserved for those who have failed to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. The move signals a growing recognition of obesity as a chronic disease requiring medical intervention, similar to conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
For decades,lifestyle interventions have been the cornerstone of obesity management. Though, the limited long-term success rates of diet and exercise, coupled with the demonstrated efficacy of newer weight-loss drugs, are driving the call for a more aggressive and proactive approach. This shift coudl impact an estimated 50% of Europe’s adult population currently living with obesity, and possibly alleviate the substantial healthcare burden associated with related conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
The proposal stems from updated guidelines released this week by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), reflecting a consensus among experts that early pharmacological intervention can yield more substantial and sustained weight loss, improving overall health outcomes. These drugs,known as GLP-1 receptor agonists,work by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite and food intake.
“We are moving away from the idea that obesity is a matter of willpower,” explained Dr. Carel le Roux, EASO’s scientific advisor and professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Dublin, in a statement. “These medications are not a quick fix, but they can be a vrey effective tool when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes.”
Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy and Mounjaro can lead to weight losses of up to 20% of initial body weight, substantially exceeding the results typically achieved with diet and exercise. While potential side effects, such as nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort, exist, doctors emphasize that the benefits often outweigh the risks for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher, or those with obesity-related health complications.
The updated guidelines also highlight the importance of individualized treatment plans,considering factors such as patient preferences,co-existing medical conditions,and potential drug interactions. Experts anticipate that wider adoption of these medications as first-line treatments will require increased access, affordability, and ongoing monitoring to ensure patient safety and maximize effectiveness.
