The European Coalition for People Living with Obesity (ECPO) is proud to announce its contribution to a new international consensus statement, developed in collaboration with the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) and the European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD), addressing the nutritional, functional and psychological considerations for adults using incretin-based therapies (IBTs), including GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, the consensus brings together the expertise of clinicians, dietitians, researchers and patient advocates from across Europe. ECPO was represented by Vicki Mooney, Susie Birney and Ken Clare, ensuring that the lived experience of people living with obesity informed the recommendations alongside clinical and scientific evidence.
A New Era in Obesity Care
Incretin-based therapies have transformed obesity management, offering new opportunities for improving health outcomes. However, the consensus emphasises that these medications should not be viewed as a standalone solution.
Instead, successful obesity care requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that supports people throughout their treatment journey.
The recommendations highlight the importance of:
- Personalised medical nutrition therapy delivered by registered dietitians;
- Strategies to preserve muscle mass, bone health and physical function during weight loss;
- Psychological support to help individuals navigate the emotional and identity changes that may accompany significant weight loss;
- Regular monitoring and long-term follow-up to optimise outcomes and minimise potential risks.
Putting Lived Experience at the Centre
For ECPO, one of the most significant aspects of this publication is the recognition that the voices of people living with obesity are essential in shaping high-quality clinical guidance.
People living with obesity understand first-hand that successful treatment extends beyond medication. Access to nutritional guidance, psychological support, physical activity programmes and compassionate healthcare professionals can make the difference between short-term weight loss and long-term improvements in health and quality of life.
By contributing lived experience throughout the development of this consensus, ECPO helped ensure that the recommendations reflect the realities faced by people receiving obesity treatment every day.
Addressing Inequalities in Access to Care
The consensus also draws attention to persistent inequalities in obesity care. Many people continue to face barriers to accessing evidence-based medications, specialist multidisciplinary services and dietitian-led medical nutrition therapy. Weight stigma, socioeconomic disparities and differences in healthcare systems across Europe continue to limit equitable access to treatment.
ECPO believes that these challenges must be addressed if the full potential of obesity management medications is to be realised.
Looking Ahead
The publication identifies important priorities for future research, including improving understanding of the long-term nutritional, functional and psychological effects of incretin-based therapies, developing better tools to identify malnutrition risk, protecting muscle and bone health during treatment, and studying the real-world experiences of people living with obesity.
As the authors conclude, incretin-based therapies represent a paradigm shift in obesity care. To achieve the best outcomes, medication should be delivered alongside dietitian-led nutrition therapy, integrated psychological and functional support, and regular monitoring.
At ECPO, we welcome this consensus as an important step towards a future where people living with obesity have access not only to effective medications, but also to the comprehensive, respectful and person-centred care they deserve.
Read the full paper and download the accompanying infographics: