Persistence Key to Long-Term Success in Obesity Treatment
Translated & summarized from TheMarker by baba
Dr. Idit Dotan stated at an obesity conference that persistence is crucial for the success of new weight loss medications, which are effective for initial weight reduction and metabolic improvements. However, only 35% of Israeli patients adhere to treatment after one year, significantly lower than clinical trial rates. Dotan attributed this to high costs and lack of support, calling for a more comprehensive healthcare system to improve adherence and reduce health risks.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Persistence is the key to successful long-term obesity treatment with new medications, according to Dr. Idit Dotan.
- Only 35% of Israeli patients adhere to obesity medication treatment after one year, compared to 83%-88% in clinical trials.
- Stopping obesity medication can lead to weight regain, increased hunger, and worsening metabolic and cardiovascular health.
- High medication costs and insufficient support contribute to low adherence rates in Israel.
- Improving adherence requires a supportive healthcare system, including financial relief and more specialized clinics.
New drug treatments for obesity have significantly improved weight loss and metabolic health, but sustained success hinges on patient adherence, according to Dr. Idit Dotan. Speaking at TheMarker Labels Obesity Conference, Dotan, who directs the Diabetes Unit and the Multidisciplinary Center for Obesity Treatment at Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, emphasized that obesity is a complex, chronic disease, not a sign of weak character. While new medications are effective for initial weight reduction and improving metabolic markers, their true value lies in consistent, long-term application tailored to the individual. Stopping medication can lead not only to weight regain but also to increased hunger, a return of cravings, worsening of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and loss of cardiovascular benefits achieved during treatment.
Despite these benefits, many patients discontinue treatment within the first year. In Israel, only 35% of patients remain on treatment after one year, a stark contrast to clinical trials where adherence rates range from 83% to 88%. Globally, adherence after one year is between 33% and 50%, dropping to 15% to 28% after two years. Dotan cited research indicating that patients who stopped obesity medication regained about two-thirds of the weight they lost.
Dotan attributed the low adherence rates in Israel partly to the high cost of medications and a lack of comprehensive support, unlike the close monitoring and side-effect management seen in clinical studies. She stressed the need for detailed, expectation-setting treatment plans from the outset, including gradual dose adjustments, early identification and management of side effects, clear guidance, regular follow-up, and nutritional, emotional, and behavioral support. The ultimate goal of treatment, she noted, is not just weight loss but also reducing health risks.
To improve adherence, Dotan called for a supportive healthcare system, including reducing the financial burden on patients, increasing staffing, and opening more obesity clinics in both community and hospital settings. The conference was presented as a public service, independent of its sponsors: Novo, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Bayer, and Altman.
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