Real-world characteristics and management approaches of older Japanese individuals with obesity disease

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics, treatment approaches, and disease burden among older people with obesity disease (PwOD) in Japan. METHODS: Secondary data from the Japanese cohort of the real-world, cross-sectional Adelphi Obesity Disease Specific Programme survey (July-December 2022) were analyzed. Physician's and PwOD's self-reported responses, including quality of life based on the Short Form Health Survey Version 2.0 (SF-36v2.0) and activity impairment from the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire, were described by age group (<65 years, ≥65 years, and ≥75 years). Lower SF-36v2.0 scores (<45) and higher percentages in the WPAI questionnaire indicate greater impairment. RESULTS: = 101) provided data for 442 PwOD; 61 PwOD completed self-reported questionnaires. Older PwOD mainly consulted internal medicine physicians (≥65 years [45%] and ≥75 years [70%]). Common weight loss approaches across groups were: diets recommended and supervised by a healthcare provider (HCP)/dietitian/nutritionist/health coach; PwOD's own diet and exercise regime; and prescription obesity management medications. Physicians prioritized non-older PwOD for weight loss surgery or new weight loss drugs. In older PwOD, mean SF-36v2.0 physical component and bodily pain scores, and activity impairment were 34.5 (SD 12.8), 41.5 (SD 7.6), and 33.3% (SD 29.6%), respectively. Major weight loss goals in older PwOD were reducing joint pain and exercising regularly. CONCLUSION: Older Japanese PwOD faced physical impairments and were generally treated with lifestyle interventions by internal medicine physicians rather than specialists such as endocrinologists/diabetologists. HCPs should recognize obesity disease and obesity-related health disorders and provide appropriate medical care tailored to the specific needs of older PwOD.