Cite as: Archiv EuroMedica. 2025. 15; 4. DOI 10.35630/2025/15/4.002
Obesity is a complex, chronic, relapsing, and progressive metabolic disease marked by abnormal or excessive adipose tissue accumulation that presents significant risks to health and longevity. Once underestimated, obesity has now reached epidemic proportions globally, with the World Health Organization estimating over 650 million adults affected. It is a major contributor to the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), certain cancers, and osteoarticular disorders, and is associated with increased all-cause mortality.
To provide a comprehensive review of contemporary and emerging strategies for the management of obesity, a complex chronic disease with rising global prevalence. The study focuses on evaluating the efficacy of lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery, and the role of emerging technologies such as digital health platforms and precision medicine.
This narrative review synthesizes data from major clinical trials, meta-analyses, and guideline-based recommendations published between 2015 and 2024. Sources include PubMed, the New England Journal of Medicine, and official WHO/ADA/EASO and AACE guidance. Key focus was placed on randomized controlled trials evaluating GLP-1 receptor agonists, dual and triple gut hormone therapies, surgical outcomes, and digital intervention models.
Lifestyle modification remains the foundation of obesity care, with hypocaloric diets and physical activity yielding 5–10% weight reduction. Pharmacologic therapies, including liraglutide, semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide, have demonstrated superior efficacy (8–24% weight loss) and metabolic benefits. Bariatric procedures such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass achieve T2DM remission rates >60% and sustained cardiovascular improvement. Digital health interventions (e.g., AI-based coaching, remote CBT) and genomic-based personalization are expanding accessibility and long-term success. Combination therapies targeting neurohormonal pathways represent a paradigm shift in treatment.
Obesity management requires a multidisciplinary, lifelong approach that integrates lifestyle counseling, pharmacologic innovations, surgical options, and emerging precision tools. Advances in gut hormone–based pharmacotherapy and digital health are reshaping the therapeutic landscape, offering personalized and scalable strategies to improve outcomes in 2024 and beyond.
Keywords: Obesity; pharmacotherapy; GLP-1; tirzepatide; bariatric surgery; digital health; precision medicine; gut hormones; behavioral therapy; weight management.
The prevalence of obesity has tripled worldwide since 1975, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that over 650 million adults are obese [1]. This alarming trend spans across all age groups and income levels, marking obesity as one of the most pervasive and rapidly escalating public health challenges of the 21st century.
Obesity represents an escalating public health issue in Poland, mirroring global trends but with distinct national implications. Recent data indicate that more than 25 % of Polish adults meet the criteria for obesity, highlighting a significant and growing burden on the healthcare system [2]. Furthermore, national surveys reveal that 62 % of adult men and 43 % of women are overweight, with 16 % of men and 12 % of women classified as obese based on BMI thresholds [3]. These figures underscore the urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies and evidence-based interventions tailored to the Polish population.
The pathophysiology of obesity is notably complex and multifactorial, involving an interplay of genetic predisposition, neurohormonal dysregulation, epigenetic modifications, environmental influences, behavioral drivers, and the composition of the gut microbiota [4]. These interacting systems contribute not only to increased energy intake and decreased expenditure, but also to the persistence and relapse of weight gain, rendering obesity a chronic relapsing disease rather than a mere lifestyle issue.
Below is a summary table of the main obesity classification systems used in clinical research and practice.
Table 1. The main obesity classification systems.
Classification | Criteria/Basis | Subtypes/Stages | Application |
BMI-Based (WHO) | Body Mass Index (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) | Class I (30–34.9), II (35–39.9), III (≥40) | Epidemiology, basic diagnostic screening |
Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) | Functional and metabolic consequences of excess adiposity | Stages 0–4 (from no complications to severe disability) | Risk stratification, prognosis, treatment planning |
Phenotypic | Metabolic status, muscle mass, fat distribution pattern | MHO, MUO, sarcopenic, visceral, etc. | Individualized therapy, drug selection, metabolic risk assessment |
Etiological | Underlying cause of obesity (exogenous, genetic, endocrine disorders) | Exogenous, monogenic, syndromic, secondary | Diagnostic clarification, genetic or endocrine evaluation |
Fat Distribution Pattern | Anthropometric markers (waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio) | Abdominal (android), gluteofemoral (gynoid) | Cardiovascular and metabolic risk evaluation |
Obesity is a heterogeneous condition with distinct phenotypes that influence treatment response. These include:
Despite being classified as a preventable and treatable condition, obesity remains significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated in clinical practice. One contributing factor is the reliance on simplistic anthropometric cutoffs such as Body Mass Index (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), which, although practical, fails to capture the heterogeneity of fat distribution, body composition, and metabolic risk.
A more nuanced diagnostic approach should include:
Obesity diagnosis and staging frameworks such as the Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) are increasingly advocated, as they move beyond BMI alone and stratify patients based on the functional and medical impact of excess adiposity, helping guide personalized treatment decisions and risk prediction [6].
This narrative review synthesizes literature published between 2015 and 2024, sourced from databases including PubMed, Medline, NEJM, and official guidance from WHO, ADA, EASO, and AACE. Search terms included 'obesity treatment', 'GLP-1', 'tirzepatide', 'pharmacotherapy', 'lifestyle modification', and 'bariatric surgery'. Studies were selected based on relevance, quality, and clinical impact.
The following sections summarize key evidence and clinical insights from the reviewed literature, structured by therapeutic modality, including lifestyle interventions, pharmacologic options, surgical approaches, and emerging technologies.
Obesity treatment has evolved substantially in recent years, incorporating a wide range of lifestyle-based, pharmacologic, surgical, and technology-driven approaches. The following sections provide a structured overview of these modalities based on the latest clinical evidence.
Lifestyle intervention, including dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioral strategies, is the cornerstone of obesity treatment. Hypocaloric diets (energy deficit of 500–800 kcal/day) are associated with modest weight loss of 5–10% over six months, often sufficient to improve glycemic control and lipid profiles [7]. Structured programs emphasize increased consumption of plant-based foods, lean protein, and soluble fiber, while limiting saturated fats and ultra-processed foods. The Mediterranean and DASH diets are widely endorsed by clinical guidelines for cardiometabolic risk reduction.
Physical activity recommendations include 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly, combined with resistance training to preserve muscle mass. However, adherence is often limited by psychosocial and environmental barriers. Behavioral therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and self-monitoring, enhances adherence and promotes sustained behavioral change [8,9]. Group sessions and digital interventions (apps, virtual coaching) have also shown efficacy.
Current clinical practice guidelines from the ADA (2023), EASO (2022), and AACE (2023) recommend early use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual/triple incretin-based therapies for chronic weight management, particularly in patients with cardiometabolic risk. [10, 11,12]
Pharmacologic therapy plays a key role in the long-term management of obesity, particularly for individuals who do not respond adequately to lifestyle interventions alone. According to current guidelines, anti-obesity medications are indicated for patients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m², or ≥27 kg/m² if accompanied by obesity-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or hypertension.
Among agents approved for long-term use, several have emerged with varying mechanisms of action, efficacy profiles, and tolerability:
Orlistat is a reversible gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor that reduces the hydrolysis and absorption of dietary fats by approximately 30% [13]. It is non-systemic and functions locally in the gastrointestinal tract. Orlistat is the only anti-obesity drug available over-the-counter in lower-dose form (60 mg).
A daily injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide enhances insulin secretion, delays gastric emptying, and promotes satiety. It is approved for chronic weight management and shares the mechanism with its antidiabetic counterpart, Victoza.
Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 analog administered once weekly. It demonstrated superior efficacy in the STEP 1 trial, where participants achieved mean weight loss of 14.9% over 68 weeks [17].
The SELECT trial (NEJM, 2023) further demonstrated semaglutide's benefits, showing a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with overweight or obesity and pre-existing cardiovascular disease, regardless of diabetes status.[16]
• Naltrexone/Bupropion (Mysimba)
This oral fixed-dose combination works on both the hypothalamic melanocortin system (via bupropion, a dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) and the mesolimbic reward pathway (via naltrexone, an opioid antagonist) [18].
Approved in the United States, this combination comprises phentermine (a centrally acting sympathomimetic) and topiramate (an anticonvulsant with appetite-suppressing effects).
While these agents provide clinically meaningful weight loss, none function as stand-alone solutions. Their effectiveness is maximized when integrated with:
Drug selection should always consider individual comorbidities, preferences, cost, route of administration, and contraindications.
For individuals with severe obesity—defined as BMI ≥40 kg/m² or ≥35 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM), obstructive sleep apnea, or hypertension—bariatric surgery remains the most effective and durable intervention available. It not only leads to substantial and sustained weight loss, but also results in significant improvements in metabolic health, quality of life, and overall survival.
The two most frequently performed bariatric procedures are:
Multiple longitudinal studies have confirmed that bariatric surgery can induce remission of T2DM in more than 60% of patients, particularly following RYGB [20]. Moreover, surgery is associated with:
The widespread implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols has optimized perioperative care and significantly reduced complication rates, hospital stays, and recovery time. In parallel, the use of laparoscopic techniques has made procedures less invasive and more accessible to broader patient populations [21].
Key ERAS components include:
Given the robust evidence base, bariatric surgery should be considered not as a last resort, but as an integral component of the multimodal obesity treatment continuum—particularly for patients with uncontrolled metabolic disease or failure of pharmacotherapy. Long-term follow-up, dietary support, and micronutrient monitoring remain essential.
Recent breakthroughs in pharmacotherapy have led to the development of highly effective agents that replicate or amplify the physiological effects of gastrointestinal hormones involved in appetite regulation, satiety, insulin secretion, and energy homeostasis. These agents offer surgical-level efficacy in selected populations, marking a paradigm shift in the pharmacological management of obesity.
Tirzepatide is the first-in-class dual incretin receptor agonist, simultaneously activating glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. This dual action results in synergistic effects on insulin secretion, delayed gastric emptying, and appetite suppression.
In the pivotal SURMOUNT-1 trial, tirzepatide led to an average weight reduction of 21% in adults with obesity without diabetes over 72 weeks [22]. Additionally, significant improvements were observed in glycemic control, blood pressure, lipid profile, and waist circumference, positioning tirzepatide as one of the most potent non-surgical interventions to date.
Retatrutide, currently in phase 2 clinical development, targets three metabolic receptors: GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors. This triple agonism enhances satiety, improves insulin sensitivity, and increases energy expenditure via glucagon-mediated thermogenesis and lipolysis.
Early clinical trial data reported mean body weight reductions of up to 24.2% over 48 weeks—comparable to or exceeding outcomes typically achieved through bariatric surgery [23]. In addition to weight loss, patients experienced significant improvements in markers of liver health (NAFLD), inflammation, and cardiometabolic risk.
The next wave of anti-obesity medications involves targeting neuroendocrine regulators beyond incretins:
These hormone-based therapies represent a shift toward personalized, mechanism-driven obesity treatment. For patients who are ineligible or unwilling to undergo bariatric surgery, these agents offer minimally invasive alternatives with substantial metabolic benefits. Importantly:
Modern obesity management is rapidly evolving through the integration of digital technologies and personalized medicine, aiming to improve treatment precision, long-term adherence, and patient engagement.
Digital health innovations have significantly transformed the delivery of obesity interventions. These tools include:
Programs like Noom and Klinio successfully integrate nutritional tracking, psychological support, and habit-building strategies, resulting in better user retention and sustainable weight outcomes [26].
Concurrently, precision medicine is emerging as a powerful tool in tailoring obesity treatments based on individual biological differences.
To provide a structured framework for the subsequent analysis, Table 2 provides a comparative overview of major treatment strategies discussed in this review, including their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and clinical considerations.
Table 2. Comparative Overview of Obesity Treatment Modalities
Treatment Modality | Mechanism of Action | Average Weight Loss | Key Advantages | Limitations / Risks |
Lifestyle Modification | Caloric deficit, increased energy expenditure | 5–10 % | Widely accessible, improves comorbidities | Limited long-term adherence |
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists | Appetite suppression, delayed gastric emptying | 8–15 % | Effective, improves glycemia and CVD risk | GI side effects, cost, injection route |
Tirzepatide / Retatrutide | Dual/triple incretin effect, metabolic modulation | 15–24 % | Near-surgical efficacy, multi-hormonal | Long-term safety under investigation |
Bariatric Surgery (RYGB/SG) | Restriction, malabsorption, hormonal changes | 25–35 % (EWL) | Durable remission of T2DM and CVD outcomes | Invasive, surgical risks, micronutrient deficiency |
Digital & Precision Medicine | Behavior tracking, AI-guided support, genomics | 5–10 % (adjunctive) | Personalized, scalable, supports adherence | Access, privacy, variable clinical validation |
These insights enable the development of highly individualized treatment strategies, optimizing both clinical effectiveness and long-term outcomes.
The following section synthesizes key findings from the reviewed literature and discusses their clinical implications. Results are organized by treatment modality to highlight comparative efficacy, safety, and applicability in different patient populations.
Randomized trials confirm that hypocaloric diets combined with physical activity yield an average 5–10% reduction in baseline body weight within 6 months, which is sufficient to improve glycemic control, lipid profiles, and blood pressure in many patients[29]. Behavioral therapy significantly improves adherence, with digital CBT platforms further enhancing long-term engagement and weight maintenance [30]
Recent anti-obesity medications demonstrate clinically meaningful weight loss:
Liraglutide 3.0 mg (GLP-1 agonist): Mean weight loss of 8.0% at 56 weeks [31]
Semaglutide 2.4 mg: In the STEP 1 trial, adults with obesity lost 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks [32].
The SELECT trial, conducted by Lincoff et al. (2023), confirmed semaglutide’s cardiovascular benefit in adults with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease but without diabetes, showing a 20 % relative reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 0.80; 95 % CI 0.72–0.90; p < 0.001). [16]
Tirzepatide 15 mg: Demonstrated 21.1% mean weight loss at 72 weeks in the SURMOUNT-1 trial, along with improvements in blood pressure, HbA1c, and waist circumference [33]
Retatrutide (GIP/GLP-1/glucagon agonist): In a Phase II trial, showed up to 24.2% weight loss over 48 weeks, with substantial metabolic improvements [34].
Combination agents such as phentermine/topiramate and naltrexone/bupropion show 5–10% weight loss, but with a higher incidence of central nervous system and cardiovascular side effects [35]
Bariatric surgery remains the most effective intervention for severe obesity:
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) achieve mean excess weight loss of 60–70% and type 2 diabetes remission in over 60% of patients [36]
Cardiovascular risk reduction, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased use of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications are consistently reported.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols and laparoscopic techniques have reduced perioperative complication rates to under 5% [37]
Amylin analog cagrilintide, when combined with semaglutide, showed synergistic weight loss effects in early-phase trials [38]
Setmelanotide, an MC4R agonist, led to significant weight reduction in rare genetic obesity syndromes like LEPR or POMC deficiency [39]
AI-powered mobile applications and wearable trackers have improved self-monitoring and adherence. Programs like Noom and Klinio demonstrated increased user retention and a 5–7% average weight loss [39]. Microbiome-modulating interventions and pharmacogenomic profiling are enabling personalized obesity care, particularly in patients with monogenic traits or metabolic heterogeneity [40].
Taken together, the reviewed evidence highlights significant progress in obesity treatment across behavioral, pharmacologic, surgical, and digital domains. Despite these advances, long-term effectiveness remains dependent on individualized care, sustained adherence, and integration of emerging tools. These insights inform the following conclusions regarding future directions in obesity management.
Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease requiring sustained, multidisciplinary care. While lifestyle modification remains foundational, it is often insufficient alone. Recent pharmacologic advances, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists, dual and triple incretin therapies, and agents like tirzepatide and retatrutide, have achieved efficacy levels approaching those of bariatric surgery. Surgical interventions continue to offer durable metabolic benefits in severe cases. Digital health tools and precision strategies such as pharmacogenomics and microbiome modulation are reshaping treatment personalization and accessibility.
Integration of these modalities into individualized care pathways will be critical to improving long-term outcomes. As obesity prevalence continues to rise globally, such innovations are essential for scalable, evidence-based management.
Conceptualization: Aleksandra Reda; methodology: Aleksandra Reda, Dorota Słupik; formal analysis:Aleksandra Reda, Magdalena Cyrkler; investigation: Aleksandra Śledziewska; resources: Aleksandra Giba; data curation: Aleksandra Reda, Aleksandra Zagajewska, Aleksandra Krygowska; writing - original draft:; Aleksandra Reda, Dorota Słupik, writing - review and editing: Aleksandra Reda, Kamila Sieradocha, Aleksandra Śledziewska, Dorota Słupik, Michał Wąsik, Aleksandra Zagajewska; Aleksandra Krygowska visualization: Kamila Sieradocha,; supervision, Aleksandra Reda, Aleksandra Śledziewska; project administration: Aleksandra Reda
Artificial intelligence tools (e.g., ChatGPT, OpenAI) were used to assist in language editing, formatting suggestions, and structuring of the manuscript. The final content was critically reviewed and approved by the authors.