Rockville, MD — March 5 — Leading obesity experts have released new guidance confirming that obesity medications are safe, effective, and appropriate for long-term use. These findings will give millions of Americans living with obesity greater clarity and confidence in their treatment options.
The Obesity Society (TOS), the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) today announced updated, evidence-based recommendations that reinforce obesity as a chronic disease and emphasize that medications can play a critical role in improving both health and quality of life.
For patients, the message is clear: obesity medications are not a temporary solution. They are evidence-based, long-term obesity treatments that can help people live healthier, longer lives when used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
“Obesity is a chronic, often progressive, disease, and medications are no longer optional add-ons to lifestyle recommendations,” said Jonathan Purnell, MD, FTOS, Vice President of TOS and co-lead author. “For many patients, they are a foundational part of care that improves not only weight, but also complications such as sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease. Our hope is that this guidance statement will help patients establish expectations of their providers that obesity medication choices are included as part of their comprehensive obesity care discussions.”
The new guidance is based on a thorough review of the latest scientific research and was developed using the internationally recognized GRADE methodology, considered the gold standard for evaluating medical evidence. Importantly, the recommendations also incorporate input from patients living with obesity, ensuring their lived experiences help shape care.
“With tens of millions of Americans affected by chronic obesity and its complications, we can no longer afford fragmented care or outdated frameworks. This guidance empowers primary care clinicians, centers the patient, and moves us closer to treating obesity as the root cause of many of the chronic diseases that burden our healthcare system today,” said Lydia Alexander, MD, MFOMA, DABOM, DABLM, Immediate Past President of the OMA and co-lead author.
At a time when misinformation about obesity medications is widespread, the organizations emphasize that FDA-approved treatments have been rigorously tested and are safe and effective for long-term use, similar to medications used to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
Beyond weight loss, the new guidance highlights improvements in everyday quality of life, including increased mobility, more energy, better physical function, and improved overall well-being, as key measures of successful treatment.
“People affected by obesity deserve evidence-based treatment, not stigma or misinformation,” said Joe Nadglowski, President and CEO of the Obesity Action Coalition. “This guidance makes it clear that long-term care is medically supported. Now access must keep pace with science, and unnecessary barriers to comprehensive treatment must be removed.”
The organizations call on policymakers and payers to expand equitable coverage and remove non-evidence-based barriers to care so that advances in treatment are accessible to all who need them.
With obesity affecting more than 100 million Americans, the new guidance marks an important step forward in ensuring patients receive the same evidence-based, long-term care available for other chronic diseases.
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About the Organizations
The Obesity Society (TOS)
TOS is the leading scientific membership organization dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, and treatment of obesity through research, education, and advocacy.
The Obesity Medicine Association (OMA)
OMA is the largest organization of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals committed to the clinical practice of obesity medicine and improving patient outcomes.
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)
OAC is a national nonprofit patient advocacy organization that works to improve the lives of individuals affected by obesity through education, advocacy, and support.