Incretin therapies transform obesity treatment approach

The medical approach to obesity is shifting from a focus on willpower and diet to treating it as a complex, chronic biological disease. New incretin-based therapies, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have demonstrated significant efficacy, with weight loss averages ranging from 15% to over 20%.

However, medical experts warn that these drugs are not a standalone solution. In Argentina, where six out of ten adults are overweight or obese, specialists emphasize that treatment must move beyond short-term diets to address hormonal, neurological, and genetic factors.

Furthermore, a consensus from European health organizations—including the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO)—highlights critical risks associated with unsupervised use. A major concern is that a significant portion of the weight lost, estimated between 24% and 30%, may be lean muscle mass rather than fat. This loss of muscle can lead to reduced strength, metabolic issues, and increased fragility, particularly in older populations. Experts stress the necessity of accompanying these pharmacological treatments with nutritional, functional, and psychological support.