About this Research Topic

Background

Obesity is a rapidly evolving clinical field, enriched by novel and diverse management options, including state-of-the-art pharmaceuticals with high weight-loss potency. Recent evidence suggests potential weight loss of over 20 to 25% with these agents, indicating significantly greater efficacy than previously available medications. Concurrently, evidence points towards improved cardiovascular outcomes with some of these high-potency medications, such as in the SELECT trial for semaglutide. However, the integration of these tools is likely to present new challenges in obesity management. These challenges include prolonged titration schedules, potential adverse medication effects, concerns about long-term impacts on body composition, and the socioeconomic implications of prolonged use of weight-loss medications. Understanding this delicate balance will inform a personalized approach to obesity-related care and potentially shape management strategies centered around these medications.

This research topic aims to explore this delicate balance and highlight considerations encountered in obesity clinics adopting these medications. The main objectives include understanding the integration of these potent weight-loss medications into comprehensive care, addressing the challenges and safety issues that arise, and evaluating the impact on patient outcomes and healthcare systems. Specific questions to be answered include how to optimize dosing schedules, manage potential side effects, and ensure equitable access to these treatments. Additionally, the research will test hypotheses related to the long-term effects of these medications on body composition and overall health.

To gather further insights in the transformation of comprehensive care for obesity in the era of highly potent weight-loss medications, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Approach to integrating medications intended for weight loss, including considerations of agent choice, dosing schedules, and personalized care goals and objectives.
- Pitfalls, challenges, and safety issues during the management of novel agents.
- Utilization of novel imaging modalities and metrics for periodic assessment and follow-up.
- Management of obesity-related comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea.
- Communication strategies between caregivers and patients, including the application of advanced web- and mobile-based tools.
- Impact on multidisciplinary and holistic care in the obesity clinic.
- Managing nutrition and eating behaviors.
- Psychological issues associated with novel agents.
- Role of physical activity in lifestyle modifications

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Obesity, Weight loss medications, Obesity management, Pharmaceutical options for obesity, Obesity and cardiovascular outcomes, Personalized care for obesity, Obesity-related comorbidities, Holistic care for obesity

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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