Mixed
Broader access to antiobesity medications (AOM) generates substantial societal value through reduced comorbidities, increased productivity, and improved quality of life, despite current low uptake rates.
For policymakers and payers, expanding access to AOM is a high-value investment. The study shows that increasing uptake to 15-30% among eligible adults generates trillions in societal value through reduced healthcare costs, fewer comorbidities, and better productivity. This supports policy changes to remove barriers to AOM access.
This study suggests that AOM provide substantial gains to patients and society. Policies promoting broader clinical access to and use of AOM warrant consideration to reach national goals to reduce obesity.
Why this rating
The evidence is based on a simulation model (THEMIS) using historical data, not a randomized controlled trial of the specific policy intervention.
Source
The Societal Value of Broader Access to Antiobesity Medications
Mina Kabiri et al. · Obesity · 2019
DOI 10.1002/oby.22696
Related findings · Mixed
- Bariatric surgery (VSG and RYGB) is the most effective and sustainable treatment for obesity, producing marked and sustained weight loss that non-surgical interventions cannot match.Strong
- Severely protein-deficient diets (2–3% energy) induce lean body mass loss and metabolic imbalance, whereas adequate protein intake (0.66 g/kg/d minimum) is a prerequisite for maintaining muscle, bone, and physiological function.Strong
- For patients with Class III obesity (BMI >39.9 kg/m2), metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is significantly more effective than any currently approved medication, with BilioPancreatic Diversion (BPD) showing the highest estimated weight loss.Strong
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