Obesity medication requires holistic care and improved access

A recent international consensus published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology emphasizes that treating obesity with incretin-based medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, requires a holistic approach. Experts from several European obesity and nutrition organizations stress that success should be measured by more than just weight loss, highlighting the need to preserve muscle mass, bone health, nutritional status, and emotional well-being.

In Brazil, while these medications offer significant weight loss potential—ranging from 17% with GLP-1 simulators to 22% with tirzepatide—access remains a major challenge due to social inequality and high costs. Currently, these treatments are not available through the Unified Health System (SUS). Data indicates that while approximately 25.7% of Brazilian adults face obesity, these medications are present in only about 5% of Brazilian households, with 84% of those users reporting a high or moderate impact on their monthly budgets.