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Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Beyond the Scale: A New Era in Managing Obesity - Not merely a lifestyle issue
Groundbreaking treatments and rising awareness are reshaping how we tackle the world's most underdiagnosed disease A recent global study published in The Lancet has raised alarm bells across the UAE's healthcare landscape. It forecasts that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults aged 25 and above in the UAE will skyrocket from 84% in 2021 to 94% by 2050 for males - the highest worldwide. For females, the figure is expected to reach 95%, ranking the UAE fourth globally. Even more concerning, obesity among UAE youth aged 15 to 24 is projected to surge from 62% in 2021 to 81% by 2050. This health crisis is largely attributed to sedentary lifestyles, excessive consumption of processed and fast food, and insufficient physical activity. However, it is crucial to recognize that obesity is not merely a lifestyle issue - it is a chronic, complex, and relapsing disease that demands serious medical attention and long-term management. We must avoid the misconception that obesity can be addressed simply by achieving a certain number on the scale. Obesity is not merely excessive adiposity; it is a serious, chronic, and relapsing disease that requires urgent attention. Left unmanaged, it can lead to more than 200 associated health complications. Fortunately, we are now in an era where highly effective treatments are available. As highlighted in last week's European Congress on Obesity, we now have medications like Semaglutide that not only support substantial weight loss but also deliver benefits across the cardio-kidney-metabolic spectrum. This is, in my view, the most significant takeaway from the Congress: for the first time, Semaglutide molecule is not only effective in weight reduction but also benefit other vital organs, such as the heart, kidneys, liver while reducing inflammation. These developments are supported by robust evidence from numerous large-scale, randomized clinical trials involving tens of thousands of patients globally. This marks a bright chapter in medical history. These new therapies are transforming treatment approaches across multiple medical disciplines, reinforcing the urgent need for a multidisciplinary approach to obesity care. At the same time, childhood and adolescent obesity is on the rise worldwide. It has become a major public health concern that calls for action through family counselling, proactive patient management, and early intervention. Statistics show that about 55% of children with obesity continue to be obese in adolescence. Around 80% of adolescents with obesity become obese adults, and nearly 70% remain so after the age of 30. Clearly, early action is crucial. However, we must also consider the flip side: approximately 70% of adults with obesity were not obese during childhood or adolescence. Therefore, while targeting children with obesity is important, it alone will not substantially reduce the burden of adult obesity. A broader and more inclusive strategy is required. In Europe, the prevalence of overweight individuals ranges from 20% to 30%, depending on the country. When combined with obesity, this figure rises to 50%–70% - a staggering statistic. It's a pandemic worse than COVID-19 in terms of its reach, affecting nearly three out of four people. Alarmingly, half of those living with obesity remain undiagnosed and untreated. In my home country of Italy, for example, the vast majority of patients with obesity are never formally diagnosed, and only a small fraction receive pharmacological treatment. We need early and targeted action that goes beyond just weight loss. The focus should be on reducing obesity-related complications such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and liver dysfunction. At the Congress, we saw compelling evidence of treatment options that address these conditions effectively. Managing obesity means more than just helping patients lose weight in the short term. It requires understanding each person's individual health profile, including genetics, environment, occupation, family background, risk factors, and coexisting health conditions. Early use of semaglutide, which has shown strong evidence of cardiovascular benefits in addition to weight loss, can help prevent further health deterioration and future complications. With such powerful treatments now available, we have an obligation as doctors to utilize them and improve the lives - and lifespans - of our patients. However, this is easier said than done. There is often a disconnect between what patients want and what doctors aim to achieve. While many patients focus solely on weight reduction, doctors strive for improved quality of life, fewer complications, and greater longevity. This is the mission of every committed healthcare provider: to offer the most effective, evidence-based therapies and to guide patients toward long-term wellness. That means spending more time with patients, educating them, and involving their families in the journey toward better health. The data presented at the Congress is practice-changing. It signals a shift from focusing only on statistics to achieving real-world health improvements. We are moving toward a patient-centered, holistic approach that recognises each individual's unique health journey. Just as diabetes care has evolved from a glucose-focused model to one that considers overall health, so too must our approach to obesity evolve. This paradigm shift is not just important - it is essential. We are facing a global obesity crisis that affects billions. The evidence is clear. The tools are in our hands. Now is the time for decisive action, ensuring that every individual with obesity receives the comprehensive care they need. By doing so, we can help extend lives and significantly improve quality of life for millions.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Becoming obese before the age of 30 ‘raises your risk of dying young by 75%' – are you at risk?
TOO much flab before the age of 30 can nearly double the risk of an early death, a study suggests. Vast weight gain and obesity at any age were found to be linked to a shorter lifespan, but the impact was greatest between the ages of 17 and 30. 1 Scientists say this is because health damage from fat builds up over time. NHS figures show that approximately one in five under-35s in England – 19 per cent – are obese. Professor Tanja Stocks, from Lund University in Sweden, said: 'Even modest weight gains in your 20s can significantly increase the risk of early death if they persist over several years. 'The earlier people embrace healthy living, the better the chance of a long life.' Prof Stocks' study, which was presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, used decades of medical records from 620,000 people aged betweeb 17 and 60 who had their weight monitored. On average, male participants were tracked for 23 years, and female participants for 12 years. Experts said the years between 17 and 30 were a 'critical life stage'. They found becoming obese between these ages increased the risk of dying prematurely by 79 per cent for men and 84 per cent for women, compared to avoiding obesity until age 60. Among the under-30s, every pound gained per year increased the risk of an early death by 24 per cent for men and 22 per cent for women. Researchers calculated that weight gain before 30 increased the likelihood of early death from conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The 7 ways you're making your kids fat without knowing it - and why it might be time to bin your For women specifically, weight gain increased their risk of death from cancer - regardless of when it happened. Scientists said that the 'cumulative' effect of carrying weight for a long time was the most deadly. Those who gained weight later in life also had an increased risk, but to a lesser extent. Study co-author Huyen Le said: 'Avoiding weight gain, especially in your late teens and 20s, can have a major impact on your long-term health. 'Gaining weight early in adulthood, or developing obesity at a young age, is linked to a higher risk of dying from many chronic diseases later in life. 'Studies have also shown that weight gain in childhood is related to obesity in teenage and adulthood, which is why early obesity prevention is very important.' Seven in ten men are now classed as overweight Some 64.5 per cent of English adults were overweight or obese last year, according to new figures. That was a 0.5 per cent increase on 2023 — equivalent to around an extra 220,000 people. The total has gradually crept up since data was first collated in 2015, when it was 61 per cent. For men the rate is now 69.7 per cent, compared to 59.2 per cent for women, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities said. Katharine Jenner of the Obesity Health Alliance said: 'Successive governments have missed countless opportunities to turn the tide and we urge the current one not to make the same mistake.' Read more on the study here. People are classed as obese if their body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher – a weight of approximately 12st for an average 5'3' tall woman, or 14st for a 5'8' man. A damning study published earlier this year said nearly 50 million Brits could be obese by 2050, up from 38.4million in 2021 The warning sparked fears of mounting pressure on hospitals and medical facilities, with researchers estimating it could cost the NHS up to £10billion a year. Obesity is the second leading cause of cancer in the UK and also raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart diseases and dementia. Scientists at presenting their findings at the obesity conference in Malaga said blockbuster weight loss jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro could be used a cancer-beating weapon, after research showed they halved people's risk of developing disease. It was also suggested that that allow doctors to monitor their weight remotely. Hiding the figures aims to spare kid's feelings and stop their parents obsessing over numbers, researchers said.
Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- Times
Obesity in your twenties doubles your risk of dying young
Becoming obese before the age of 30 nearly doubles the risk of dying young, research has revealed. Scientists found that people's twenties are by far the most harmful time of life to gain weight, as it results in 'cumulative' damage to vital organs that can cause a range of diseases. The study, presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain, looked at death rates among 620,000 adults in Sweden who had their weights monitored throughout their lives. The participants tended to put on weight as they aged, but deaths were significantly higher if people had gained weight in early adulthood compared with middle age. Between 17 and 29 was found to be the 'critical life stage' in which staying slim was vital to
Telegraph
12-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Obesity before 30 almost doubles risk of early death
Adults who gain surplus weight before the age of 30 are almost doubling their risk of an early death, a study has found. Those who piled on the pounds in their twenties had far higher mortality rates than those who merely succumbed to middle-aged spread, a study of 620,000 people discovered On average, participants – who were aged between 17 and 60 – put on about 1lb a year. But the damage was far greater when weight gains came early. Men who became obese before the age of 30 saw their risk of early death rise by 79 per cent, while women saw an 84 per cent increase, compared with those who did not. Among the under 30s, every pound gained per year increased the risk of an early death by 24 per cent in men and 22 per cent in women. Researchers said the findings, presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain, provided a 'powerful' insight into the dangers of modern lifestyles. Experts said the years between 17 and 30 were a 'critical life stage' – calling for action to wean a generation off junk food. Since 1993, the proportion of 25 to 34 year olds classified as obese has more than doubled. The study, led by researchers from Lund University in Malmö, Sweden, is one of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind. On average, male participants were tracked for 23 years, and females for 12 years. The study found that gaining weight early in adulthood significantly raised the risk of dying from a wide range of health problems, including heart disease, several types of cancer, and Type 2 diabetes. Scientists said that across the board, the 'cumulative' effect of carrying weight for a long time was the most deadly. Those who gained weight later in life also had an increased risk, but to a much lesser extent. Becoming obese between the age of 45 and 60 increased overall risk by about 25 per cent. And reaching this threshold between the age of 30 and 45 increased the risk by 52 per cent. 'Embrace healthy living earlier' Prof Tanja Stocks said: 'Even modest weight gains in your twenties can significantly increase the risk of early death if they persist over several years. The earlier people embrace healthy living, the better the chance of a long life.' Huyen Le, a lead researcher, said the findings were important because most weight gain occurred in early adulthood as people left home, often becoming more reliant on junk food and convenience foods. She said: 'The key message from this study is clear: avoiding weight gain – especially in your late teens and 20s – can have a major impact on your long-term health. 'Gaining weight early in adulthood, or developing obesity at a young age, is linked to a higher risk of dying from many chronic diseases later in life.' The average weight gain in the study, of just over 1lb per year, matched those found in other major studies. UK data shows the average man aged between 25 and 34 now weighs 13st 6lb – a stone more than in the 1990s. For women of the same age the average weight is 11st 6lb – up by 1st 2lb on the figure from 1993. Heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, liver, kidney and womb cancers were among the conditions with the strongest link between early weight gain and premature death. However, for women, weight gain had an impact on cancer mortality regardless of when the weight was put on. Putting on weight after the menopause is already known to be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Prof Stocks said the findings were important because they came from a study which was very large, examining more causes of death, and tracking weight gain far more closely than previous research. She said: 'I think it's very powerful in that we investigated both the age of obesity onset and also the age of weight gain. Early weight gain is most important to prevent; this may have to do that with the fact you are living longer with obesity. Cumulative, long exposure likely causes these diseases.' Researchers said the mass study did not account for some potential confounders including diet and physical activity. Prof Stocks said more should be done to prevent weight gain in young adults, with improved access to healthier foods and encouraging exercise. She said: 'Supporting healthy habits during this critical life stage can have lasting benefits.' 'Gaining weight shortens your life' Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, said: 'This study is yet another wake-up call. Gaining excess weight early in life doesn't just increase the risk of obesity – it can shorten lives by driving up rates of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and poor mental health. 'Many young people are on course to reach obesity by 30, driven by a food environment dominated by fast food deals, oversized portions and highly processed products. This is the consequence of decades of failure by the commercial food system and the lack of action by government to fix it. 'Preventing obesity in the first place is essential if the Government is serious about delivering five extra healthy years of life and narrowing the life expectancy gap. That means more than treatment – we need bold action to make healthy food the easy, affordable, and appealing choice.' Separate research by the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark, which tracked 700 children from birth found that those with steadily expanding waistlines had a much greater risk of heart problems by the age of 10.
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Best fat jab revealed after first head-to-head trial shows patients see 20% weight loss
TWO blockbuster weight loss just have been tested against each other for the first time in a head-to-head trial. There was a clear winner, which saw slimmers shed 20 per cent of their body weight. 2 Mounjaro - dubbed the "King Kong" of weight loss jabs - helped people shed significantly more weight than it's rival Wegovy, theresearch suggested. Though both drugs were effective for weight loss, Mounjaro helped people shed more pounds and trim extra inches off their middle. Experts presented their findings at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga and published them in the New England Journal of Medicine. Previous research showed that dieters could lose up to 30 per cent of their body weight with the help of weekly Mounjaro injections. It comes after scientists lined up weight loss jabs as a cancer-beating super weapon - as research shows they halve the risk of developing the disease. Mounjaro's active ingredient is tirzepatide, while Wegovy's is semaglutide - the same one used for diabetes jab Ozempic. Both are weight-loss medicines that work by mimicking hormones released by the body when you're full, making people feel fuller for longer and therefore less hungry. They are available on the NHS under specialist weight management services, or via private providers such as online pharmacies. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher - classifying them as medically obese - and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, to be prescribed them. The new trial followed 751 adults who were obese, but didn't have type 2 diabetes. I've lost 3 stone in 8 months on fat jabs - there's a common error new starters are making & it means nasty side effects Most were aged around 45 and had a BMI of 39 - 65 per cent of them were women. All had at least one known obesity-related complication, such as high blood pressure, sleep apnoea or heart disease. They received once weekly jabs of either Mounjaro or Wegovy for 72 weeks, at the maximum tolerated dose. Patients taking Mounjaro typically shed around 20.2 per cent of their body weight, while Wegovy users lost 13.7 per cent. Slimmers also trimmed an average of 18.4cm off their waists with Mounjaro and 13cm with Wegovy. People on Mounjaro were more likely to reach their weight loss goals, researchers said. One limitation to the study was that people knew which drug they were taking, though the researchers said the findings were in line with previous studies. Dr Louis Aronne, from Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, who led the research, said the dual action of Mounjaro may explain the findings. Both Mounjaro and Wegovy mimic a hormone produced in the body called GLP-1 - a substance that is released in the gut when people consume food. This hormone slows the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach, reduces appetite via the brain and regulates insulin levels. What are the side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. But Mounjaro also mimics another hormone known as GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), which a hormone produced in the gut - especially after consuming carbohydrates and fats - that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Dr Aronne said: "Our study shows that treatment with tirzepatide was superior to semaglutide with respect to reduction in body weight and waist circumference. "Tirzepatide, while a single molecule, pharmacologically activates two metabolic receptors, GIP and GLP-1, which have both overlapping and non-overlapping expression and function. "This dual agonism of tirzepatide may contribute to the higher weight reduction observed in the current study compared to semaglutide, a mono-agonist." As people lost weight in the study, health factors such as blood pressure and unhealthy blood fats all improved. Dr Aronne said semaglutide still remained an "extremely effective" weight loss medication and that the trial did not intended to minimise its effects. He added: "For example, if you have a patient with a BMI of 32, which is class one obesity, they could get to a BMI in the mid 20s, right around 25 [with semaglutide], which is normal. "So the majority of people with obesity will do just fine on semaglutide. "People at the higher end - class two, class three obesity - may ultimately do better with tirzepatide." Speaking at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain on Sunday, Dr Aronne said: "This is actually the first head-to-head trial of two obesity medications, so I think we're going to start seeing more of these as new medications become available. "I saw a list the other day of 150 medications that are now in development, so many people now realise how important it is to manage body weight in addition to other metabolic factors. The research was sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company, the manufacturer of Mounjaro.
