DeutschObesity is not simply a matter of excess weight—it’s a multifaceted, long-term health condition that significantly raises the risk of serious diseases affecting the heart, kidneys, and metabolism. Sandy Sommer, who leads the Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolic division at Boehringer Ingelheim, emphasizes the importance of viewing obesity not in isolation, but as part of a web of interconnected health challenges.
The global impact of obesity extends far beyond appearance or body mass—it deeply affects internal organ systems. This condition disrupts the intricate balance between vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, leading to widespread health deterioration rather than isolated organ damage.
In the United States alone, a staggering majority of obese adults—over half—suffer from elevated blood pressure, while nearly a quarter are diagnosed with diabetes. The liver is another major area of concern; over 75% of adults with obesity are at risk of developing metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a chronic condition resulting from excessive fat accumulation in the liver. Alarmingly, about one-third of these individuals progress to a more advanced and damaging state known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
Looking ahead, the global spread of obesity is expected to intensify dramatically. Forecasts suggest that by 2035, almost 2 billion people may be living with obesity, creating a massive financial burden estimated at $4 trillion annually—about 3% of the world’s gross domestic product.
A Call for Global Action
There is no time to waste. Obesity represents a widespread health emergency with consequences that spill into multiple areas of human health. An effective response requires cooperation across medical disciplines and health systems.
It is crucial to dismantle the current compartmentalized approach to care and build a cohesive, collaborative model. Understanding how obesity impacts multiple organs simultaneously—such as the liver, heart, and kidneys—can lead to better strategies for prevention and treatment, and may also ease the strain on global healthcare infrastructures.
The Stakes are High
Raising public and policy-level awareness is essential to ensuring obesity—and particularly obesity-related liver disease—receives the attention it deserves within the broader discussion of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The World Health Organization’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3.4) sets a bold objective: a 33% reduction in premature deaths from NCDs, the leading cause of death worldwide. Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, including diabetes, contribute to about half of these deaths.
Aligning global health policies with current scientific understanding of how cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic conditions interact is key to making meaningful progress in this area.
Commitment to Change
At Boehringer Ingelheim, we are fully dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals affected by obesity and its associated health complications—ranging from liver disorders to chronic kidney and heart conditions. Our approach involves building strong collaborations, pushing the boundaries of medical research, and delivering innovative treatments grounded in evidence.
This is not a short-term effort. We are committed to advancing this mission over the long term, driven by the belief that a better, healthier future is within reach for those affected by these interconnected diseases.