The top 3 weight-loss revelations from last year that will shift the industry in 2024 

By: Dr. Tim Church, MD, MPH, PhD  

In retrospect, the year 2023 has left an indelible mark on the weight-loss landscape, unveiling revelations that promise to redefine the industry in 2024.  I thought it might be worth the time to explore my top three weight-loss revelations of 2023: 

1. The benefits of substantial weight loss go beyond diabetes risk! The revelation lies not in the anticipated advantages of a 15% plus weight loss, but rather in the quality and quantity of clinical trial data published in 2023. From heart failure, liver disease, and cardiovascular issues, to kidney health, these trials have forged a path of groundbreaking insights. Undertaking such trials, known for their expense and complexity, required foresight and resolution. Many of these trials were initiated while medications were still in the developmental pipeline or early in their commercial life. While it is easy to be critical of big pharma on any number of topics, credit is due where it’s deserved.  The aggressive start and completion of these trials has greatly advanced the field of obesity medicine.    

2. The latest weight-loss medication is nothing short of remarkable. The introduction of Zepbound brings extraordinary weight-loss outcomes with many individuals shedding 30-40% of their weight. This marks a profound shift into uncharted territory within clinical weight management.  For the first time we have a medication that rivals weight loss surgery in terms of effectiveness.  These are exciting times that bring new ethical and clinical challenges to be solved in the years to come.   

3. Weight bias is still a reality. While addressing the issue may be uncomfortable, it proves impossible to sidestep the bias against obesity. Regrettably, instances of obesity bias manifest daily, with leaders and decision-makers across various industries exhibiting both direct and indirect biases. Expressions like “skin in the game” and “how quickly can I get people off these medications” are coded biases, insinuating obesity is a matter of personal choice rather than a complex medical condition. It’s a stark contrast to the way we discuss other health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or cancer, shedding light on the urgent need to reframe the narrative surrounding obesity and foster a more compassionate and science-based approach.    

It feels like we were just gaining momentum in 2023 and in 2024, the dust will settle as the industry starts to figure out billing, supply chain issue and the continued development of clinical guidelines.  This transformation not only signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of the weight-management sector but also holds the promise of making these vital services more accessible to a broader demographic, fostering a healthier and more empowered society.