Obesity management: sex-specific considerations

TY - JOUR

T1 - Obesity management: sex-specific considerations

AU - Kantowski, Tobias

AU - Schulze Zur Wiesch, Clarissa

AU - Aberle, Jens

AU - Lautenbach, Anne

N1 - © 2024. The Author(s).

PY - 2024/5

Y1 - 2024/5

N2 - Obesity is a global health issue that has grown to epidemic proportions. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), overweight and obesity are responsible for more than 1.2 million deaths in Europe each year, representing > 13% of the region's total mortality. Highly processed, calorie-dense foods and reduced physical activity are considered as primary drivers of obesity, but genetic predisposition also plays a significant role. Notably, obesity is more prevalent in women than in men in most countries, and several obesity-related comorbidities exhibit sex-specific pathways. Treatment indication depends on BMI (body mass index), as well as existing comorbidities and risk factors. To reduce obesity-associated comorbidities, a permanent reduction in body weight of (at least) 5-10% is recommended. Treatment guidelines suggest an escalating stepwise approach including lifestyle intervention, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric-metabolic surgery. As cumulative evidence suggests differences in weight loss outcomes, there is growing interest in sex-specific considerations in obesity management. However, most trials do not report weight loss or changes in body composition separately for women and men. Here, we discuss state-of-the-art obesity management and focus on current data about the impact of sex on weight loss outcomes.

AB - Obesity is a global health issue that has grown to epidemic proportions. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), overweight and obesity are responsible for more than 1.2 million deaths in Europe each year, representing > 13% of the region's total mortality. Highly processed, calorie-dense foods and reduced physical activity are considered as primary drivers of obesity, but genetic predisposition also plays a significant role. Notably, obesity is more prevalent in women than in men in most countries, and several obesity-related comorbidities exhibit sex-specific pathways. Treatment indication depends on BMI (body mass index), as well as existing comorbidities and risk factors. To reduce obesity-associated comorbidities, a permanent reduction in body weight of (at least) 5-10% is recommended. Treatment guidelines suggest an escalating stepwise approach including lifestyle intervention, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric-metabolic surgery. As cumulative evidence suggests differences in weight loss outcomes, there is growing interest in sex-specific considerations in obesity management. However, most trials do not report weight loss or changes in body composition separately for women and men. Here, we discuss state-of-the-art obesity management and focus on current data about the impact of sex on weight loss outcomes.

U2 - 10.1007/s00404-023-07367-0

DO - 10.1007/s00404-023-07367-0

M3 - SCORING: Review article

C2 - 38329549

VL - 309

SP - 1745

EP - 1752

JO - ARCH GYNECOL OBSTET

JF - ARCH GYNECOL OBSTET

SN - 0932-0067

IS - 5

ER -