Professor Thomas Forst, Chief Medical Officer of hVIVO, discussed the latest developments in obesity research and treatment during an interview published on Apr. 17. He highlighted the rapid progress in incretin-based medicines such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and their impact on patients, drug developers, and the broader cardiometabolic field.
Forst said that obesity is a complex condition with significant medical consequences beyond excess weight. "Obese people are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, sleep apnea, and some malignancies. These complications, rather than the number on the scale, drive morbidity and mortality," he said.
He explained that while GLP-1s were initially developed for type 2 diabetes management, their benefits extend to improving overall metabolic health. "Clinical investigations have revealed fewer cardiovascular events, better heart failure outcomes, benefits for renal disease, and positive effects on conditions such as sleep apnea. Importantly, these benefits apply to persons who are obese even if they do not have diabetes," Forst said.
Forst also emphasized that traditional measurements like body weight or BMI do not fully capture the risks associated with obesity. "The main issue is where the fat is stored and how it acts... Ectopic fat is a far more reliable predictor of cardiometabolic risk than BMI," he said.
He noted that although GLP-1s are effective tools for treating metabolic abnormalities linked to obesity-related diseases, they should be combined with lifestyle changes such as physical activity and diet to preserve muscle mass and achieve long-term health benefits.
Looking ahead at future treatments for obesity-related diseases beyond current medications like GLP-1s, Forst said: "We are approaching a new age in obesity treatment. GLP-1s opened the door but they are merely the beginning... Medication works best in conjunction with lifestyle changes that promote metabolic health."
