What does the new obesity guide say?

“The previous guideline goes back to 2008, we’re over 15 years old. There are so many new ideas from science that we have to translate into practice. Many more obese people have been added, and the problem has only worsened,” says Van Rossum.

The cause of obesity

According to Van Rossum, the focus of the new evidence is more on looking at the cause of weight gain. “It is often an unhealthy lifestyle, but not for everyone. Psychological factors or social factors may also play a role. It may also be due to medication use.”

“The approach is different in those cases,” says Van Rossum. “More personalization in treatment is possible in the new guideline.”

It’s not just weight that matters

Also, not only weight is factored into treatment outcomes. “We don’t just look at whether someone is losing weight. We now know there are many other things you have to determine, such as body composition, muscle mass, quality of life, and waist size.”

“And not only are diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular disease linked to obesity, but also hormonal disorders and depression, for example, which are now included in the guideline.”

It’s also important for people who are overweight to be taken seriously, says Van Rossum. “We shouldn’t just be pointing fingers at obese people. But the government should also get in the front. Think, for example, of a sugar tax and better information.”