Nutrition and behaviour supports recommended alongside obesity medications
Treatment for obesity should not rely on medications alone – but be provided together with holistic supports for nutrition, health behaviour and psychological health.
That’s according to obesity experts speaking today at the annual Scientific Meeting of the Association for the Study of Obesity on the Island of Ireland (ASOI).
ASOI spokesperson Dr. Mick Crotty said obesity medications are intended as part of a long-term treatment strategy – and to maximise patient response other proven holistic care should be integrated into all patient treatment plans.
“Obesity medications are safe and effective treatments which improve obesity-related health conditions. The goal in obesity care should be improving health rather than purely reducing weight. ASOI therefore encourages the HSE to plan for increased resourcing of parallel support care, which combined provide a whole-of-health approach.
“Obesity management should include many health parameters including metabolic, mechanical, psychosocial as well as quality of life and other outcomes that patients themselves identify as important.”
Dr Crotty highlighted that for health gains to be sustained obesity treatment plans must be continued long-term, and tailored for the individual.
“Clinical trials of medications consistently demonstrate weight regain and regression of health improvements if treatment is stopped.
“There is a need to consider potential risk versus benefit of treatments in the context of each person’s life and health. This would include past history, what treatment is most appropriate, side effects, form (injection vs pill), dosing frequency, interaction with other medications and cost.
“The dose of obesity management medication should be tailored as needed and as tolerated. An individuals response is not predictable – some people may respond with lower doses, others may require higher doses or a different approach.”
According to the 2025 OECD figures, based on BMI criteria, 21% of Irish adults are living with obesity. This is an increase from 15% in 2016 and above the OECD average of 19%. The disease is more prevalent among men than women.
Based on self-reported data, the 2022 Healthy Ireland Survey of people aged 15+ classified 56% as being in a category consistent with overweight or obesity.
Today’s 10th Annual Scientific Meeting of ASOI provided a broad investigation of current issues related to obesity treatment including:
- University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine Research Professor and Programme Leader, Prof Amy Ahern presented on mental health needs in obesity care.
- CHI Child and Adolescent Complex Obesity Service Adolescent Medicine and General Paediatrician, Dr Orla Walsh spoke about the use of obesity medications for the treatment of adolescents.
- A patient presented a lived experience account of neurodiversity and mental health in obesity care.
The meeting titled A decade of progress in person-centred obesity care: Aligning the science with patient priorities also included an update to the Clinical Practice Guideline for Pharmacotherapy (medication based) treatment of obesity presented by Consultant Endocrinologist at Connolly Hospital, Dr Karl Neff.
More information on speakers and topics at: https://asoi.info/10th-asoi-annual-scientific-meeting-2026/
Further information
Ronan Cavanagh, Cavanagh Communications: (086) 317 9731 / ronan@cavanaghcommunications.ie
ASOI
The Association for the Study of Obesity on the Island of Ireland (ASOI) is the Irish representative body at the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) and the World Obesity Federation.
ASOI aims to develop an understanding of obesity through the pursuit of excellence in research and education, the facilitation of contact between individuals and organisations, and the promotion of action to prevent and treat obesity across the island of Ireland. ASOI has a particular focus on education and advocacy to eliminate weight bias and stigma in scientific communities, healthcare settings, and wider society. The ASOI public resources and information include up to date advice and data on obesity prevention and treatment, information on our patient advocacy activities, research and links to a number of professional bodies.
Non-stigmatising Media Resources
Information and guidance for media and journalists on non-stigmatising portrayal of obesity at: https://asoi.info/media-resources/