Sweden Sees Surge in Demand for Obesity Treatments Amid Rising Recognition of Obesity as Chronic Disease

Obesity is a growing public health challenge in Sweden, affecting approximately 1.4 million people, with increasing attention to its treatment through surgery and medications. Recognized as a chronic disease defined by a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, obesity is linked to extensive comorbidities and social stigmatization, which can influence the care patients receive.

Surgical treatments for obesity are well-established in Sweden, performed across 38 centers with updated techniques and follow-up protocols to ensure effectiveness and patient safety. Meanwhile, pharmacological approaches have gained significant momentum. Sales of obesity medications in Sweden surged by 110% from 2023 to 2024, propelled by new appetite-suppressing drugs such as GLP-1 analogs, which offer alternatives to surgery.

Experts highlight the complexity of obesity, noting that hormonal counter-regulation often makes sustained weight loss challenging, requiring individualized treatment plans. Weight reductions of 5-10% can improve health, but even greater losses—over 15%—are often needed to reverse diseases like type 2 diabetes. Medications must be tailored to individual patient history, comorbidities, and lifestyle factors, with active monitoring and adjustments necessary for optimal outcomes.

Early intervention, particularly among children and adolescents, is emphasized as a crucial preventive strategy. Given the stigma patients face in healthcare settings, there is a call for respectful, equitable treatment approaches focused on evaluating treatment efficacy rather than patient blame.

As the range of available medications expands, none are yet subsidized in Sweden, but expectations are high for their growing effectiveness and accessibility. Bariatric surgery remains a vital option for those not responding adequately to pharmacotherapy, with coordinated care needed to manage both surgical and medical interventions effectively.

This evolving landscape of obesity management reflects a broader understanding of obesity as a treatable chronic disease requiring comprehensive, multifaceted approaches to improve individual health and reduce societal healthcare burdens.