In the landscape of health care, the year 2023 witnessed remarkable strides in the field of obesity medicine.

These were marked by groundbreaking developments in anti-obesity medications, enhancements in access to care and insurance coverage for obesity treatment and an increase in the number of health care providers expressing an interest in specializing in obesity medicine. These highlights show the ongoing commitment to addressing this complex disease, offering hope and opportunities for individuals with obesity while reshaping the approach of health care professionals in their pursuit of comprehensive and effective obesity management strategies.

This article explores the advancements and trends that shaped the field of obesity medicine in 2023, shedding light on the transformative impact these developments have had on patient care and the role of health care providers in the field.

Developments in anti-obesity medications

In 2023, the realm of anti-obesity medications witnessed an era of innovation, with developments that offer new avenues for obesity treatment. These medications, often developed with a more nuanced understanding of obesity, aim to provide solutions that go beyond traditional approaches.

Among the breakthroughs is the emergence of medications that not only aid in weight loss but also address underlying factors contributing to obesity-related comorbidities. Researchers and pharmaceutical companies collaborated to refine existing medication formulations and introduce new medications that demonstrate enhanced efficacy and safety. In 2023, more notable developments include the increase in the use of semaglutide medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy (Novo Nordisk) for weight loss. We also saw other forms of weight loss medications emerge, with the FDA approval of Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide medication, Zepbound. In addition to the new medications,The New England Journal of Medicine released the results of the SELECT study, showing the positive impacts of semaglutide medications on patients with cardiovascular disease and obesity.

The evolving landscape of anti-obesity medications reflects a commitment to offering individuals diverse and personalized treatment options, marking a significant stride forward in the medical community’s efforts to combat obesity. As these pharmaceutical innovations continue to unfold, they hold the promise of reshaping the standard of obesity management, providing new hope for patient outcomes and long-term success.

Access to care

While pharmacotherapy treatment options were expanding, many patients were still left wondering if they would have access to obesity care. Historically, individuals with obesity faced barriers to accessing comprehensive obesity treatment, often encountering limited health insurance coverage or providers unwilling to discuss treatment options because of lack of knowledge, resources or even weight bias. A growing recognition of the profound health implications associated with obesity should prompt insurers and health care systems to reassess their policies, leading to a welcome expansion in coverage and options for obesity treatments. This shift would not only alleviate the financial burden on individuals seeking assistance but also empower health care providers to offer more diverse and tailored interventions, fostering a more holistic and patient-centric approach to obesity care.

Throughout the medical community, there was a surge in efforts to improve access to obesity care for people with obesity. Recognizing the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to obesity, various organizations and associations have worked diligently to enhance the availability and accessibility of obesity-related services. The AMA has dedicated a large portion of their work to advocating for proper insurance coverage for obesity treatment and improving the narrative surrounding obesity treatment. In addition, numerous advocacy efforts for obesity treatment emerged, with the introduction of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023, aimed at allowing Medicare to cover anti-obesity medications.

The growing focus on accessibility not only makes it easier to intervene early and implement preventive measures but also tackles the disparities that might have previously discouraged individuals with obesity from seeking and receiving effective care. As these initiatives gain momentum, the health care landscape is evolving to ensure that obesity care is not only possible from a medical standpoint, but also readily accessible to those who need it most.

Increase in interest for obesity medicine

Although advocating for proper access and coverage for obesity treatment is vital to ensuring positive outcomes for individuals with obesity, it cannot be done without one very important population: health care providers. In 2023, there was an increase in the number of health care providers expressing an interest in specializing in obesity medicine. This surge can be attributed to a growing recognition of the role that obesity plays in overall health, as well as an increasing awareness of the complexities involved in obesity management. In 2023, the American Board of Obesity Medicine had a record of 1,889 physicians from the United States and Canada apply to take the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) exam, representing a variety of fields of medicine, from internal medicine to obstetrics/gynecology. The exam brought the number of ABOM diplomates from 5,881 to 6,729 and tripled the number of diplomates since 2017.

The heightened interest in specializing in obesity medicine has shown how medical practitioners are recognizing that obesity is intricately linked to a myriad of comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. Consequently, health care providers are motivated to delve into the field of obesity medicine to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to offer more effective treatments, thereby contributing to improved patient outcomes. This trend not only signifies a crucial step forward in addressing the disease of obesity but also reflects a commitment within the health care community to confront this complex health challenge head-on.

The year 2023 proved to be a crucial moment in the field of obesity medicine, witnessing advancements that have reshaped the landscape of obesity management. The developments in anti-obesity medications have opened new avenues for tailored and effective treatments, marking a significant stride forward in the fight against obesity. Access to care and insurance coverage continue to be barriers for patients, so advocacy efforts must continue. The increase in the number of health care providers expressing an interest in specializing in obesity medicine reflects a transformative shift in the perception of obesity as a chronic medical condition. Although there is still much work to be done on all fronts regarding obesity medicine, the collective efforts of 2023 have set the stage for continued progress and a more compassionate, informed and effective approach to obesity care in the years to come.