Publication Details
Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101679
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) The case for primary prevention of obesity in the era of GLP-1 therapies
Author Holm, S.; Tena-Sempere, M.; Koutsouris, D.; Dedoussis, D.; Wagner, K.-H.; Arranz, S.; Froguel, P.; Bohn, T.; Oliveira, P.J.; Lakerveld, J.; on behalf of OBEClust: Kaikini, A. et al.; Herberth, G. ORCID logo ; ...,
Source Titel Lancet Regional Health-Europe
Year 2026
Department IMMU
Volume 66
Page From art. 101679
Language englisch
Topic T9 Healthy Planet
Supplements Supplement 1
Supplement 2
Keywords Obesity; Prevention; Healthcare costs; Weight gain; GLP-1 receptor agonists
Abstract Obesity rates continue to rise across Europe, driven by obesogenic environments shaped by food systems, urban design, socioeconomic inequalities, and commercial forces. The introduction of incretin-based pharmacotherapies like GLP-1 receptor agonists has transformed treatment, leading to significant weight loss and metabolic benefits for many. This progress has shifted public and policy discourse, with some suggesting that effective treatment reduces the urgency of prevention. However, this position paper argues that the growing availability of medications actually reinforces the need to prioritize primary prevention. While pharmacotherapy can improve individual outcomes, it cannot lower population-level risk or deliver the wider societal, environmental, and economic benefits of prevention. The paper also outlines key policy implications to reaffirm prevention as a cornerstone of public health across Europe.
Holm, S., Tena-Sempere, M., Koutsouris, D., Dedoussis, D., Wagner, K.-H., Arranz, S., Froguel, P., Bohn, T., Oliveira, P.J., Lakerveld, J., on behalf of OBEClust: Kaikini, A. et al., Herberth, G., ..., (2026):
The case for primary prevention of obesity in the era of GLP-1 therapies
Lancet Reg. Health-Eur. 66 , art. 101679
10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101679