Big movements continue weight loss In the wake of groundbreaking research into GLP-1 therapeutics and other methods, we reveal our outlook for the new year.
Weight loss experts spoke to Fox News Digital about their predictions for the biggest changes to come in 2026.
Dr. Peter Balazs, a hormone and weight loss expert in New York and New Jersey, said the most important change is likely to classify GLP-1 drugs as “multisystem metabolic regulators” rather than “simple weight loss drugs.”
More Americans could be classified as obese under new definition, study suggests
“Therapeutic goals are no longer just BMI reduction“However, effects across the liver, heart, kidneys and vascular system have been documented, allowing for an overall reduction in cardiometabolic risk,” he said.
“We see a significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events and progression of kidney disease,” he continued.
Dr. Philip Rabit, an endocrinology expert, weight loss and health Researchers in New York City also shared that “exciting” advances lie ahead with weight loss drugs such as GLP-1 and GIP.
Older Americans are discontinuing GLP-1 weight loss drugs for four main reasons
“These next-generation drugs, along with new combinations including glucagon and amylin agonists, have shown even better weight-loss effects than currently available treatments, with the potential for better tolerability and longer-lasting results,” he told FOX News Digital.
“There is also great optimism about new federal agreements with manufacturers that aim to make these medicines more widely available and affordable to a wide range of patients who need them most.”
Balazs said the typical regimen for GLP-1 drugs is weekly injections, but dosing and administration could change to a more convenient method by 2026.
Oprah joins wave of celebs who have revealed dramatic weight loss in 2025
A 25 mg daily tablet version of Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy. treat obesityis now approved and available for chronic weight management, providing an option other than injections for some patients.
Balazs said once-weekly oral GLP-1 is currently in phase 2 trials, as is an implant intended for three to six months of drug delivery.
In addition to reducing intraoperative risks for GLP-1 users, Balazs predicted: metabolic surgery No incision will emerge as a better option.
“Endoscopic surgeries that don’t require an incision – such as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (a non-surgical weight loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach from the inside) and duodenal mucosal resurfacing (a non-surgical procedure that resets part of the small intestine to help the body better handle blood sugar levels) – [may become] It’s more durable and widely available,” he said.
Test yourself with our latest lifestyle quiz
“These offer important benefits metabolic benefits Recovery is shorter and risks are lower than traditional surgery. ”
Rabito agreed that “rapid advances” in minimally invasive weight loss surgery are “opening up powerful new options for patients who are hesitant about traditional bariatric surgery.”
The method offers “meaningful and durable weight loss with low risks, short recovery time, and no external incisions,” the experts added.
Dr. Muhammad Ghanem, a bariatric surgeon at the Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute, reiterated that surgery remains “the most successful treatment for obese patients.” treatment of obesity …you’ll lose the most weight ever and get the most durable results. ”
Novo Nordisk’s Wigoby is indicated for adolescents 12 years and older as an obesity treatment, and the use of weight loss drugs in children is “now a clinical reality,” Balazs commented.
He predicted that other alternatives for younger users would likely be approved in 2026.
In the growth of artificial intelligenceBalazs predicted that clinical adoption of AI-powered weight loss methods will expand.
This could include classifying obesity into subtypes such as “hungry brain,” “emotional starvation” and “slow burn,” and moving away from “trial and error” and personalizing how treatments are prescribed, he said.
Ghanem agreed that in 2026 there will likely be a “huge focus” on testing individual causes of obesity, as obesity is a disease that can have “different causes for different people.” various treatments.
The doctor expects more patients to seek a combination of comprehensive treatments and programs.
“Patients are becoming more aware that there are several weapons in their arsenal to fight obesity. [they] They are looking for a multidisciplinary and holistic approach,” Ghanem said.
For more health stories, click here
With the rise of prescription digital therapies (PDT) for weight loss, Balazs predicted that treatment options will also become digital.
“These are software applications that provide cognitive behavioral therapy. personalized nutrition “And metabolic coaching through algorithms is often integrated with continuous blood glucose monitoring and reimbursed as medical care,” he said.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
Ghanem added that body composition analyzers like DEXA scans are likely to become more widely used as awareness of the limitations of BMI and weight in assessing obesity increases.
