What is the Role of Primary Prevention of Obesity in an Age of Effective Pharmaceuticals?

Purpose of review To examine the evidence and continuing role of strategies for the primary prevention and treatment of obesity in the context of effective obesity pharmacotherapies, through a narrative review. Recent findings Global policies to improve nutritional labelling and reduce sugar-sweetened beverages consumption have been implemented worldwide (> 45 countries) with some success which varies by population and environment. Tailored behavioural interventions are effective and essential to reduce individual risk of progression from preclinical to clinical obesity. Pharmacotherapies are powerful treatment agents for clinical obesity but must consider nutritional and metabolic risks of use and discontinuation. The obesogenic environment continues to undermine individual agency to adopt healthier dietary and physical activity patterns. Population health informatics tools could inform tailored interventions based on real-time risk and contribute to obesity prevention and treatment. Summary Efforts to rebalance investment towards obesity prevention must continue to improve population health and reduce healthcare burden.