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Obesity Remission: A Missing Target in Contemporary Medicine

delete2026-07-30
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PRE
AI
T
Theocharis Koufakis *
A
Alexander Kokkinos
L
Luca Busetto
C
Carel W. le Roux
DOI:10.1111/obr.70197delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Obesity is a chronic disease associated with substantial cardiometabolic, mechanical, and psychosocial burden, contributing significantly to global morbidity and mortality. Despite its impact, therapeutic strategies remain disproportionately conservative, often delaying effective intervention. In contrast, treatment algorithms for other chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, have adopted remission-oriented approaches aimed at suppressing disease activity rather than merely attenuating progression. In this context, we propose a remission-oriented paradigm for obesity. Remission is defined as a sustained, multidimensional state characterized by the achievement of clinically meaningful adiposity targets, alleviation of obesity-related complications, restoration of functional capacity, and improvement in psychological well-being. Importantly, remission is conceptualized as a continuum, analogous to glycemic states, and may be maintained with ongoing pharmacotherapy. We further propose an induction–remission–maintenance model that prioritizes early, effective intervention. This framework explicitly acknowledges the chronic nature of the disease of obesity, even in the presence of potent therapies, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring and long-term disease surveillance. Despite challenges related to access, cost, and long-term adherence, this approach offers a structured, disease-centered model with the potential to improve clinical outcomes and reduce healthcare burden.
Keywords:
complications
obesity
pharmacotherapy
remission
stigma

Journal

Obesity Reviews cover
Obesity Reviews
IF:
7.4
Papers:
2.8K
Citations:
1.8W

Organization

N
national and kapodistrian university of athens
Scholars:
2.9K
Papers: 996
Citations: 0
U
university college dublin
Scholars:
2.5W
Papers: 2.2W
Citations: 22
A
aristotle university of thessaloniki
Scholars:
2.5W
Papers: 2.0W
Citations: 19
U
university of Padova
Scholars:
1.2K
Papers: 430
Citations: 10
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