Future Directions of Obesity in Global Health

Introduction

Obesity is one of the critical health concerns in the 21st century, more probably in adults. The causes for obesity are many, and can be an outcome of sedentary lifestyle, disrupted sleep patterns, unhealthy eating habits, and many other factors. This global health issue has a significant impact on global health and economic well-being, while also having interlinks with other health issues such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and specific types of cancer [1]. Therefore, it becomes necessary to address the problem with effective strategies, including lifestyle interventions, pharmacological treatments, and technological advancements. This article will explore emerging technologies, and trends in tackling obesity, and provide future direction in the field of research, aiming to resolve the problem with innovative solutions.

Records in history

The prevalence of obesity has been steadily increasing over the past few decades, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that over 650 million adults worldwide are obese. Over the past few decades, there has been a consistent increase in instances of obesity. As per Statista (2022), the global issue of overweight and obesity is on the rise in numerous countries, putting this demographic at a higher risk of cardiovascular ailments, diabetes, and specific types of cancer. Considering this issue as a serious health problem, finding strategies and preventive interventions are essential to manage and address the threat of obesity. This will be instrumental in reducing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs associated with this condition. Moreover, addressing this global issue can contribute to the improvement of overall health and social well-being of people.

Emerging Trends in Obesity Research

Obesity is a multifactorial disease managed using a “one-size-fits-all” approach, focusing on side effects, costs, availability, and existing comorbidities rather than addressing underlying pathophysiological processes. This increase in obese population urges the need to find the solution through technological innovations. The following section will discuss the latest trends in obesity research.

• Precision Medicine 

Precision medicine is one of the latest techniques in healthcare used to provide medicine or interventions based on the personal data such as individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment. Precision medicine for obesity requires accurate diagnosis and meaningful patient stratification for therapy optimization and prognosis. Despite progress in epidemiological, genetic, and physiological characterization, no widely validated algorithm accurately reflects clinical manifestations [2]. In light of the fact that metabolism and nutritional intake differ from person-to-person, personalised nutrition is thought to be a potentially effective weight-management strategy.

• Behavioral Insights and Nudging

Behavioural interventions are also found as an effective strategy to encourage healthier behaviours and reduce obesity rates in different settings. For example, digital weight loss programs, incorporating behavioural strategies like goal-setting and self-monitoring, and nudge interventions with subtle environmental changes and incentive provision have proven effective [3].

• Telemedicine and Mobile Health (mHealth)

The growth of smart phones and wearables have transformed the healthcare industry drastically. mhealth supported by mobile devices such as mobile phones, patient monitoring devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other wireless devices [4]. It helps in monitoring real-time physical activity, diet, and biometric data, while providing personalised support.

Technological Innovations in Obesity Management

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

With the help of AI and machine learning, obesity problems can be mitigated by  analysing large datasets, predicting obesity-related health outcomes, and developing personalised intervention strategies [1]. Using AI algorithms, dietary habits, physical activity, and genetic predispositions can be analysed using emergent patterns, while providing targeted and effective interventions.

• Digital Therapeutics and Virtual Coaching

Digital Therapeutics (DTx) is an emerging eHealth area utilising high-quality software programs to treat, manage, or prevent diseases or disorders using proven software as medical devices. AI powered virtual coaching program provides guidance and support to the people seeking to reduce weight and maintain healthy lifestyles [5]. This is considered as a scalable healthcare solution for the community with limited healthcare resources.

• Wearable Technology and the Internet of Things (IoT)

Wearable devices are capturing weight loss metrics, providing insights into glycemic variability, cardiometabolic function, sleep, nutrition, and body fat percentage, with high safety and adherence rates reported. Further, evidence suggests that wearable devices have several applications aside from activity tracking, which could modify health behaviours through real-time biofeedback [6]. Overall, these devices appear to be safe and feasible so as to be employed in various settings in the pediatric age group to prevent and treat obesity.