Focus on Preventing Obesity Complications, Not Just Weight Loss
Translated & summarized from TheMarker by baba
Israeli medical experts are shifting the focus of obesity treatment from weight loss to preventing associated diseases. Professor Dror Dicker stated that prevention is most effective in childhood, while adult treatment should address hormonal issues. Professor Avivit Cohen emphasized treating the metabolic syndrome, not just weight, with the goal being illness prevention. High patient dropout rates, attributed to cost and side effects, remain a challenge, with adult treatment costs potentially reaching 1,000 shekels monthly.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Obesity treatment should prioritize preventing associated illnesses over solely reducing weight, experts say.
- Preventing obesity is most effective in children aged 8-13, according to Professor Dror Dicker.
- Adult obesity treatment should focus on hormonal imbalances affecting satiety, not just lifestyle changes.
- High patient dropout rates plague obesity treatments, with only 10% adhering after six months.
- Adult obesity treatment can cost between 500 and 1,000 shekels monthly in Israel.
- A strong patient-dietitian relationship is crucial for effective obesity treatment adherence.
Experts emphasize that the primary goal in treating obesity should be preventing associated illnesses rather than solely focusing on weight reduction. Professor Dror Dicker, director of Internal Medicine D and the Obesity Treatment Center at Rabin Medical Center, highlighted that medical treatment is most effective for children, particularly between ages 8 and 13, for preventing obesity. For adults, he stated, prevention is less relevant, and the focus should shift to correcting hormonal imbalances that affect satiety, as lifestyle changes alone are unlikely to succeed without addressing the underlying hormonal issue.
Professor Avivit Cohen, Chairwoman of the National Council for Diabetes and Obesity, stressed that optimal obesity treatment involves addressing the entire metabolic syndrome, not just weight. "The measure should not be the number on the scale, but the prevention of illness associated with obesity," she explained. Dr. Orly Tamir, Director of the Israeli Center for Diabetes Policy Research and Promotion at Sheba Medical Center, noted the significant patient dropout rate from obesity treatments. According to Clalit Health Services data, only half of patients continue treatment after two months, a quarter after four months, and merely ten percent after six months. Tamir attributed these dropouts to disappointment with results, side effects, and treatment costs.
Shira Zaguri, CEO of the Israeli Association for Coping with Obesity, discussed the financial aspect, noting that the health basket covers obesity treatment for children aged 12 to 18. Adults must rely on supplementary insurance, with costs ranging from 500 to 1,000 shekels per month. Dr. Sigal Sofer, Chief Dietitian at Meuhedet, pointed out the importance of the patient-dietitian relationship, suggesting that some patients view dietitians merely as facilitators for medication. She believes a strong connection with a dietitian encourages patient adherence and enhances treatment effectiveness.
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