Obesity is a chronic, complex, and multifactorial disease, extending beyond mere lack of willpower or excessive eating. This was highlighted by experts during the Sant Pau Talks event titled 'I Have Too Many Kilos. Obesity in the Era of Miracle Drugs,' which aimed to challenge the prejudices surrounding this condition and analyze recent treatment advancements.
The session, moderated by journalist Cristina Puig, featured personal testimonies from Eduard Estivill and Sívia Tarragona, who shared their experiences with weight and social pressure. The medical perspective was provided by Dr. Inka Miñambres, an endocrinologist, and Dr. Sonia Fernández, a bariatric surgeon, both from Hospital Sant Pau. They explained that treatment must be personalized, considering that obesity affects approximately 18% of the Catalan adult population and millions worldwide.
New GLP-1 analogue drugs, initially developed for diabetes, represent a novel therapeutic tool for selected patients, acting on appetite and satiety. Dr. Miñambres emphasized that these treatments are for a chronic illness and require individualized medical prescription. A major challenge is their cost and the lack of public funding, which can exacerbate social health inequalities, as obesity disproportionately affects lower-income groups.
Specialists cautioned against the trivialization of these medications for purely aesthetic purposes, stressing the difference between treating a disease and pursuing a beauty ideal. Estivill and Tarragona advocated that personal identity and value transcend weight, highlighting the emotional impact of comments on physical appearance and the stigma that can even arise in healthcare settings.
Dr. Fernández confirmed that bariatric surgery remains a key option for severe cases and can be complementary to medications. There is no one-size-fits-all solution; each treatment must be tailored to the patient's needs, with long-term follow-up encompassing diet, physical activity, and professional support.
The link between nutrition, emotions, and mental health was another focal point. It was highlighted how restrictive diets can foster frustration and how social pressure, amplified by social media, can lead to unrealistic expectations. The recorded contribution from nutritionist Julio Basulto offered a critical perspective on simplistic messages surrounding obesity.
The comprehensive approach to obesity requires multidisciplinary teams. A patient's testimony illustrated how medication, combined with nutritional education and physical activity, has improved their relationship with food and enabled the adoption of new routines. Long-term maintenance of results remains a constant challenge.
The event advocated for a societal shift in how obesity is perceived, recognizing it as a chronic and complex illness. The dual call is to leverage scientific advancements and foster a society more respectful of body diversity, free from prejudice and blame.
