In the world of health which is intertwined with that of the economy and production, sometimes short circuits can be created which certainly give rise to reflection. In a global system like the one we are experiencing, in fact, the interrelationships between advances in therapies and dietary models risk becoming real bottlenecks. It is with this key of interpretation that we can read a scientific research that tries to evaluate how much and how the diffusion in the richest countries of the planet of drugs that help fight overweight and obesity could also influence less developed areas. A scientific article that appears on Globalization and Health and issues this warning.
A change of habits?
Drugs for obesity, overweight and diabetes are already changing food purchasing and consumption habits in richer countries. It should be remembered in this sense that new pharmacological treatments do not only act on weight, but profoundly modify eating behavior: they reduce appetite, increase the sense of satiety and, in many cases, change food preferences. This leads to a reduction in calorie intake, but also poses new nutritional challenges, such as the risk of an inadequate intake of proteins or micronutrients if the diet is not adequately guided. There are already observations that suggest that users tend to reduce overall food expenditure, especially on snacks, sweets, fast food and other high energy density foods.
As a result, major food and beverage companies are starting to adapt their products and marketing strategies, including through smaller portions, reformulated products, and higher-protein options. According to the proposed economic hypothesis, these mechanisms could lead to an increase in the availability of unhealthy foods in low-income areas, where for many reasons the availability of obesity drugs could be lower.
According to a note, “it is not a question of affirming that the change is already underway – reports Brice Even, main author of the published reflection and researcher at the Alliance of Bioversity International and the CIAT -. But the first signals from the market are strong enough to justify prudence”. The publication therefore calls for more incisive policies on the food environment in low- and middle-income countries, with particular attention to digital marketing for minors and many other measures.
Obesity is a disease
Obesity is now recognized internationally as a complex, relapsing and multifactorial chronic disease. In recent years, this has led to a significant evolution both in clinical guidelines and in the regulatory and therapeutic approach, as the experts recalled at the congress of the Italian Society of Human Nutrition (SINU). For many years, the management of obesity has mainly been traced back to the simple control of calories introduced and consumed, according to a reductionist vision centered exclusively on energy balance. Today this approach appears outdated.
Scientific evidence has in fact demonstrated that obesity is the result of the interaction between biological, metabolic, neuroendocrine, environmental, psychological and social mechanisms. In this context, nutrition can no longer be considered just a tool for caloric restriction, but an integral part of a therapeutic strategy aimed at improving metabolic health, body composition, quality of life and long-term adherence.
A now shared message emerges from national and international guidelines: obesity can no longer be managed only as a lifestyle problem, but requires a multidisciplinary, personalized and continuous approach. The most recent recommendations underline the importance of integrating nutritional interventions, physical activity, behavioral support and, when indicated, pharmacological or surgical therapy. Another key point is the shift towards a broader assessment of clinical risk, which is not only based on body mass index (BMI), but also on the presence of complications and the patient’s metabolic profile. The recognition of obesity as a chronic disease also represents a fundamental step on a cultural level, because it helps to reduce stigma and overcome the idea that it is only a question of individual will.
