OBJECTIVES: To describe the presence of comorbidities in people with obesity (PwO), and associated concomitant treatments, weight management and hospitalisations in PwO with ≥1 comorbidities (PwOC).

METHODS: This is a descriptive analysis of data from Adelphi Obesity Disease Specific Programme™, a cross-sectional survey of physicians, and PwO they manage, in Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates between April-December 2022. Physicians completed an attitudinal survey and reported patient demographics, clinical characteristics and management for the PwO who were on a weight management programme or using AOMs.

RESULTS: Of 2,839 PwO, 83% had ≥1 comorbidities (mean 2.1). Of PwOC (n=2,351), mean age 44.3 years, 45% male, 40% receiving AOM. Mean BMI at diagnosis 35.2, current at time of survey 33.2. Most common comorbidities were hypertension (40%), dyslipidaemia (39%), and type 2 diabetes (T2D, 24%). Mean number of concomitant medications was 2.3, most commonly for dyslipidemia (51%), diabetes (44%) and cardiovascular issues (43%). Overall, PwOC hospitalised in last 12 months for obesity 3%, for obesity-related comorbidities 4%. Among PwOC, most common reasons for first consulting physician were for discussion and/or treatment of obesity/weight (57%) or weight-related comorbidities (50%). Among PwOC who consulted for weight-related comorbidities, most common were hypertension (47%) and T2D (41%). Most common reasons for starting current weight-loss attempt were presence of comorbidities that were worsening or risking health (64%), mainly hypertension (47%) and dyslipidemia (39%).

CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate high obesity-related comorbidity presence in PwO in the study which was one of the most common reasons for both physicians and patients initiating weight management discussions and seeking treatment. Preventing the occurrence of or controlling for the severity of comorbidities in PwO could help reduce overall impact and management.