Swiss obesity clinical practice guidance.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Clinical Medicine
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Obesity affects 43% of Swiss adults, presenting a significant public health challenge.
• Current management often focuses narrowly on weight, neglecting holistic health and patient experience.
• A structured, multidisciplinary approach is needed to address the complexity of obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a structured, multidisciplinary clinical practice guidance for obesity management in Switzerland.
• To emphasize a holistic approach focusing on health metrics, comorbidities, and functional gains.
• To promote a non-stigmatizing and empathetic approach in obesity care.

Main Methods:

• Development of a tiered care system involving primary care and specialized obesity services.
• Integration of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body composition for risk stratification.
• Emphasis on comprehensive assessment of comorbidities and quality of life.

Main Results:

• Multimodal lifestyle interventions including nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral strategies are foundational.
• Pharmacological therapies, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, offer significant weight reduction and cardiovascular benefits.
• Bariatric/metabolic surgery provides effective, durable outcomes for severe obesity, requiring lifelong follow-up.

Conclusions:

• The guidance advocates for a patient-centered, non-stigmatizing framework for obesity care.
• Management should prioritize overall health improvement, comorbidity resolution, and functional gains.
• Individualized care strategies are essential for special populations, balancing weight management with other health priorities.