Management of Obesity in Adults: European Clinical Practice Guidelines

TLDR

Developing consensus obesity guidelines is challenging due to numerous publications, short‑lived individual success, and wide variation in European service provision, making a standardized evidence‑based approach difficult to implement. The guidelines aim to offer an evidence‑based framework that clinicians can adapt to individual and regional contexts. They are built on systematic evidence review, with built‑in flexibility for evidence gaps and an emphasis on clinical judgment and regional diversity. Physicians should treat obesity as a disease, provide evidence‑based prevention and treatment, set realistic goals, and pursue lifelong management.

Abstract

The development of consensus guidelines for obesity is complex. It involves recommending both treatment interventions and interventions related to screening and prevention. With so many publications and claims, and with the awareness that success for the individual is short-lived, many find it difficult to know what action is appropriate in the management of obesity. Furthermore, the significant variation in existing service provision both within countries as well as across the regions of Europe makes a standardised approach, even if evidence-based, difficult to implement. In formulating these guidelines, we have attempted to use an evidence-based approach while allowing flexibility for the practicing clinician in domains where evidence is currently lacking and ensuring that in treatment there is recognition of clinical judgment and of regional diversity as well as the necessity of an agreed approach by the individual and family. We conclude that i) physicians have a responsibility to recognise obesity as a disease and help obese patients with appropriate prevention and treatment, ii) treatment should be based on good clinical care and evidence-based interventions and iii) obesity treatment should focus on realistic goals and lifelong management.