Obesity – A Global Health Issue – Latest Trends and Challenges

Introduction

The year 2024 is not special for innovation in technologies alone, it is great year for healthcare industry too. The healthcare industry has found a lot of innovations that solves many healthcare issues. However, there are some health conditions like obesity that need more attention as their impact on people is more prevalent in recent years. In such conditions, researchers are searching for technological solutions that can solve the problem in the healthcare industry. This article delves more into the industry news related to obesity and how the problem of obesity is being resolved through various technologies and approaches.

Industry Insights

• Genetic and Epigenetic Factors in Obesity

As there is an increase in studies related to genetics, pharmaceutical companies are investigating personalised medicines. Therapies related to genes like epigenetics are developed to study how gene modification linked to obesity, potentially help in the development of effective treatments. Understanding the genetic factors causing obesity is advanced after genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and enables identification of genetic loci associated with obesity. Similarly, the study results of epigenetics show that lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity can potentially increase the risk of obesity [2].

• Microbiome research and obesity

Studies consistently show a correlation between the gut microbiome and obesity. The research findings also show that gut composition can potentially affect the metabolism, energy balance, and fat deposits [1]. This interconnection directs researchers to find how the alteration of microbiome through diet, probiotics, or fecal transplant can help in mitigating the risk

• Pharmacological Interventions: New Drug Developments:

Market on anti-obesity drugs is significantly increasing in recent years, as many drug manufacturers are developing new drugs or advancing through clinical trials. GLP-1 receptor agonists are one of the drugs used for controlling diabetes and it shows better result in weight loss by controlling appetite and glucose metabolism [3]. These results encourage the pharmaceutical companies to invest more on R&D to develop more effective and safety drugs for obesity. Further, the market for anti-obesity is expected to surpass “IQVIA’s 2028 value predictions’ (IQVIA is an American multinational corporation focused on clinical research and health information technology) due to several critical drivers. Facing challenges in complex R&D processes in drug development? We are here to assist you in innovative drug discovery, funding for clinical research, and strategic dissemination of findings. We synthesize complicated data into clear insights, ensure regulatory compliance, and then communicate the result to the correct audience. Partner with us for streamlining your pharmaceutical research journey.

• Innovations in Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is found to be an effective treatment for people suffering from severe obesity; however, long-term success can be achieved only by facilitating significant lifestyle changes. Recent research places much emphasis on various technology-based interventions for managing obesity such as apps, wearables, and other digital tools. [4]. Similarly, Sleeve gastrectomy is found to be the most common surgical intervention for morbid obesity globally, with an estimated 160,609 interventions in the US in 2022.

• Behavioral and Digital Health Interventions

Weight loss goals are now simplified with the integration of digital health tools in obesity management. By interconnecting the connected devices such as mobile apps, wearable devices, and telehealth platforms, it is possible to provide real-time and personalized interventions and can achieve behavioral change in patients. Using these advanced tools such as wearable devices, telehealth platforms, and mobile apps,  we can track, offer feedback, and provide motivational support to individuals based on their weight loss goals.

References

• 1. Kyrgiafini, M.A., Sarafidou, T., Giannoulis, T., Chatziparasidou, A., Christoforidis, N. and Mamuris, Z. (2023) Gene-by-Sex Interactions: Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Five SNPs Associated with Obesity and Overweight in a Male Population. Genes, 14(4), p.799.
  2. Ali, H. The potential of GPT-4 as a personalized virtual assistant for bariatric surgery patients. Obes. Surg. 2023, 33, 1605.