Specialists at Hospital Sant Pau in Barcelona have described obesity as a chronic, complex disease rather than a failure of willpower, and warned that newer weight-loss medicines must be prescribed individually and not treated as cosmetic products.

At the Sant Pau Talks session I Have Too Many Kilos. Obesity in the Era of Miracle Drugs, endocrinologist Dr Inka Miñambres and bariatric surgeon Dr Sonia Fernández said treatment should be tailored to each patient. The issue affects an estimated 18% of Catalonia’s adult population, according to the discussion.

For patients, the central consequence is that medication is one option within longer-term care involving nutrition, physical activity and professional support, rather than a standalone solution.

GLP-1 medicines and unequal access

Dr Miñambres said GLP-1 analogue medicines, first developed for diabetes, can help selected patients by affecting appetite and feelings of fullness. She said they are treatments for a chronic disease and require an individual medical prescription.

The specialists identified the price of the medicines and the absence of public funding as a barrier that can widen health inequalities. Obesity disproportionately affects people on lower incomes, they said.

  • GLP-1 medicines may be used for selected patients under medical supervision.
  • Bariatric surgery remains an option in severe cases and may complement medication.
  • Long-term follow-up can include dietary support, physical activity and professional care.

Speakers address weight stigma and social pressure

Journalist Cristina Puig moderated the session, which included personal accounts from Eduard Estivill and Sílvia Tarragona about weight and social pressure. The speakers said a person’s identity and worth go beyond their weight, and discussed the emotional effects of comments about appearance.

Nutritionist Julio Basulto contributed a recorded intervention on simplistic messages about obesity. The discussion also addressed restrictive dieting, frustration and unrealistic body expectations amplified through social media.

People considering medication or surgery should seek an individual assessment from a qualified health professional, as the Hospital Sant Pau specialists said treatment needs and long-term support differ between patients.

Reported by diaricatalunya.cat, Diari Catalunya.