Bridging the gap in obesity research: A consensus statement from the European Society for Clinical Investigation

Background: Most forms of obesity are associated with chronic diseases that remain a global public health challenge. Aims: Despite significant advancements in understanding its pathophysiology, effective management of obesity is hindered by the persistence of knowledge gaps in epidemiology, phenotypic heterogeneity and policy implementation. Materials and methods: This consensus statement by the European Society for Clinical Investigation identifies eight critical areas requiring urgent attention. Key gaps include insufficient long-term data on obesity trends, the inadequacy of body mass index (BMI) as a sole diagnostic measure, and insufficient recognition of phenotypic diversity in obesity-related cardiometabolic risks. Moreover, the socio-economic drivers of obesity and its transition across phenotypes remain poorly understood. Results: The syndemic nature of obesity, exacerbated by globalization and environmental changes, necessitates a holistic approach integrating global frameworks and community-level interventions. This statement advocates for leveraging emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to refine predictive models and address phenotypic variability. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to create tailored interventions and enduring policies. Discussion: The consensus highlights the need for harmonizing anthropometric and biochemical markers, fostering inclusive public health narratives and combating stigma associated with obesity. By addressing these gaps, this initiative aims to advance research, improve prevention strategies and optimize care delivery for people living with obesity. Conclusion: This collaborative effort marks a decisive step towards mitigating the obesity epidemic and its profound impact on global health systems. Ultimately, obesity should be considered as being largely the consequence of a socio-economic model not compatible with optimal human health.