Beyond the Scale: Setting Goals for Outcomes Beyond Weight in Evidence-based Obesity Treatment

As definitions of obesity evolve beyond a sole focus on weight, evidence-based obesity treatments may also benefit from a broadening in focus. This review discusses benefits of setting goals with patients that expand beyond weight or anthropometric change, and reviews recent data on expected outcomes in four such domains where patients may often desire change: obesity-related diseases, health-related quality of life (HrQoL), body image, and weight bias internalization (WBI). Lifestyle modification, obesity management medications, and metabolic and bariatric surgery can yield meaningful gains in obesity-related diseases, physical HrQoL, and body image. However, there is variability in response, and the expected magnitude of gains can differ by treatment approach and magnitude of weight loss. Less is known about WBI. Many patients are likely to see benefits beyond weight loss during treatment. Clarifying patients’ goals in these areas and aligning treatments accordingly can promote patient-centered care.