Weight Management and Duration of Obesity in Europe: Results From the RESOURCE Survey

Background: The cross-sectional RESOURCE survey collected data on clinical and demographic characteristics, and estimated weight change and weight loss attempts, from people living with obesity in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. Methods: All data were self-reported between May and June 2021. Adults (>18 years) with BMI >30 kg/m2 who reported interacting with primary or secondary healthcare services in the past 12 months were recruited to the study by a consumer research panel. Results: In total, 1850 participants completed the survey; 56.3% had BMI 30-5%, and 26.5% reported clinically meaningful weight loss of >5%. These proportions were similar across obesity classes (>5% gain: 21.8%, 23.7%, and 24.9%; >5% loss: 26.7%, 26.9%, and 25.3%). Few participants (8.7%) had received a prescription medication for weight management or reduction, even in the highest obesity class (8.2%, 7.5%, and 12.5% in classes I, II, and III). Conclusions: Obesity is a long-term condition, and although the majority of people living with obesity attempt to lose weight, few achieve clinically meaningful weight loss, and few are prescribed medications for weight management. These results highlight the scale of unmet need for obesity, pointing towards more comprehensive needs for weight loss support, and complement the findings of a parallel US study assessing the economic impacts of obesity.