Obesity

Data released by the World Obesity Federation in 2025 shows that over 2.9 billion adults worldwide are projected to have a high BMI (overweight and obesity) by 2030, while the number of adults living with obesity is expected to rise from 524 million in 2010 to 1.13 billion in 2030.¹

Overall, obesity is a leading cause of death worldwide. Compared to adults with normal body weights, those with BMI ≥30 kg/m² and ≥35 kg/m² had increased risk of all-cause mortality of 21% and 34%, respectively.²

In 2015, ~7.1% (N~ 4 million) of all global deaths were attributed to high BMI.³

• CVD was the leading cause of death attributed to high BMI
• T2DM was the second leading cause of death attributed to high BMI

In an analysis of the NHANES database, high BMI was independently associated with an increased rate of liver-related outcomes in patients with MASLD.⁴

Those who are overweight or obese have an increased risk for T2DM, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, joint problems, liver disease, gallstones, cancer, among other conditions, and the presence of obesity may also potentiate and worsen outcomes of these comorbid diseases.

Unmet needs in obesity still remain including medications with sustainable weight loss, broader mechanistic targets beyond appetite suppression, improved tolerability, better adherence, and treatments that target comorbidities that could lead to better overall health outcomes beyond weight loss.