One Health Solutions to Obesity in People and Their Pets

Area of Science:

• Comparative medicine
• Public health
• Veterinary science

Background:

• Overweight and obesity present a significant global health challenge affecting both humans and companion animals.
• Current interventions for obesity are often unsuccessful, highlighting the need for novel strategies.
• Effective communication and a 'One Health' framework are crucial for addressing this complex issue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of a 'One Health' approach in combating overweight and obesity in humans and companion animals.
• To emphasize the role of communication and physical activity in obesity management.
• To highlight the value of comparative clinical research in companion animals for understanding human obesity.

Main Methods:

• Reviewing current strategies for obesity intervention in human and veterinary healthcare.
• Analyzing the benefits of a 'One Health' framework for comparative research.
• Examining the role of the human-companion animal bond in promoting physical activity.

Main Results:

• Effective communication between healthcare professionals, clients, and patients is key to successful obesity interventions.
• Integrating physical activity assessment into routine clinical examinations is recommended for human healthcare.
• Companion animal research offers unique advantages over traditional models due to shared environments and genetic diversity.
• Leveraging the human-companion animal bond can drive successful physical activity programs.

Conclusions:

• A 'One Health' approach, integrating human and veterinary medicine, is essential for tackling the obesity epidemic.
• Comparative research in companion animals can yield valuable insights into human obesity and its comorbidities.
• Promoting physical activity through the human-companion animal bond presents a viable strategy for mutual health benefits.
• Collaboration among diverse scientific and medical disciplines, supported by policy and funding, is vital for advancing 'One Health' initiatives in obesity management.