Overview Of Obesity: Global Clinical Trials Landscape

Obesity, a chronic and multifactorial metabolic disease, is a growing global health crisis marked by a sharp rise in prevalence across all demographics and income levels. This article provides a comprehensive overview of current and emerging obesity treatments, emphasizing innovations and global research trends. The World Health Organization recognizes obesity's escalating burden, with over 900 million adults affected as of 2022. Treatment strategies range from lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy—particularly GLP-1 and dual agonist therapies—to bariatric surgery for severe cases.

Recent clinical advances highlight the growing use of biomarkers such as leptin and CRP to guide personalized care. Global clinical trial activity has surged, particularly in Asia-Pacific and North America, with a focus on early-stage drug development. Beyond GLP-1 therapies, promising new treatments include dual/triple agonists, gene therapies, and microbiome-targeted approaches. Together, these developments signal a paradigm shift toward individualized, biology-driven obesity management strategies.