Reframing the Obesity Conversation: Key Takeaways from ObesityWeek® 2025

As the understanding of obesity continues to evolve, so too does the science, patient experience, and cross-sector collaboration driving innovation. At ObesityWeek® 2025 in Atlanta, experts from across Inizio reflected on the latest research, the shifting clinical landscape, and how collaboration across disciplines can improve care for people living with obesity. 

In this post-event roundtable, Matt Wadyka (Inizio Medical), Alexis Cogswell (Real-World iNSIGHTS, Inizio Medical), Varun Renjen MD (Putnam, part of Inizio Advisory), and Elaine Ferguson (Inizio Medical) share their perspectives on what’s shaping the next phase of obesity care. 

Putting patients at the center of decision-making 

Matt Wadyka, Senior Vice President at Inizio Medical, reflected on how the voice of the person living with obesity is becoming central to clinical progress. 

“What I’m most excited about is the evolving role of the patient in their own decision-making when it comes to healthcare with obesity,” said Matt. “With multidisciplinary teams in attendance, it’s clear that keeping the patient at the center is foundational to making the right decisions for the right person at the right time.” 

He also noted that the pace of innovation is accelerating rapidly, with new entrants transforming the scientific dialogue. 

“For a long time, there were only a couple of major players in the space,” he explained. “Now, with so many new companies and modalities, we’re seeing an explosion of new science that’s changing how we think about treatment, and even how we define the disease itself.” 

Redefining obesity through data and real-world insight 

Alexis Cogswell, Vice President, Real-World iNSIGHTS, Inizio Medical, emphasized that the shift toward recognizing obesity as a chronic, multifactorial condition is reshaping how data is applied in practice. 

“At Real-World iNSIGHTS, we’re really interested in understanding how new data are being taken into clinical practice by providers globally,” said Alexis. “The reframing of obesity as a chronic condition makes perfect sense given the breadth of GLP-1 approvals in recent years.” 

She also previewed the upcoming Clinical Excellence Summit in Obesity, taking place next April, which will explore how groundbreaking research presented at ObesityWeek® is influencing clinical decisions. 

“We’ll be looking at how these treatments are being used for the people who need them most, with conversations that include patients, providers and payers.” 

Redefining the science of obesity 

For Varun Renjen MD, Partner at Putnam (part of Inizio Advisory), one of the biggest scientific shifts is the very definition of obesity itself. 

“It’s not just about reducing weight from a BMI perspective,” said Varun. “Obesity is a complex heterogenous physiological process that affects multiple organs – the heart, kidney, lungs, liver, and even the brain across the same pathway. There is a clear pathological process in obesity that affects the whole body” 

He described the meeting as a sign that the field is entering a new era of treating obesity including precision and personalization. 

“We’re at the beginning of a true scientific revolution, redefining what obesity is as potentially cardiometabolic dysfunction, how it’s treated, and how care is customized across the patient journey. Whether it’s moving between therapies, mechanisms, modalities or quality of weight loss, we’re learning how to adapt treatments as people progress with GLP-1s and beyond. If in the past cancer was treated with chemotherapy and has rapidly progressed to different modalities and segments; that is where we are going with obesity.”  

From weight loss to whole-body health 

Elaine Ferguson, Global President, Inizio Medical, highlighted the remarkable diversity of science showcased this year. 

“There’s been a real breadth of science this week, and the biggest impact for me is seeing all the different pathways and mechanisms under investigation,” said Elaine. “We’re seeing ambitious trial designs and outcomes that go far beyond weight loss, looking at organ protection and whole-body health.” 

She also underscored the importance of hearing directly from people living with obesity at the congress. 

“It’s been inspiring to hear their experiences – not just in terms of physical changes, but the overall improvements in health, energy, and quality of life.” 

Looking ahead 

Reflecting on the week, Matt summed up the opportunity ahead: 

“Right now, there’s a big emphasis on insights. Next, it’ll be about data, and then the focus will turn to access and affordability. This is a pivotal moment to be part of the obesity field.” 

From redefining the science to centering lived experience, the energy and collaboration seen at ObesityWeek® 2025 reaffirm that the field is moving fast, and Inizio is proud to be part of shaping its future.  

Discover more about how Inizio is driving innovation across the obesity landscape:
Obesity – Inizio