INTERVIEW: Urgent need for a holistic and personalised approach to obesity management, says Ekol Hospital

A new obesity drug, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has recently been approved for treatment in the UK, and is now available on the NHS. However, Turkey-based Ekol Hospital has highlighted the urgent need for a holistic and personalised approach to obesity management – calling for global action on the matter.

Ekol International Hospitals has called for healthcare providers across the globe to recognise the potential benefits of newly approved medications while carefully considering their possible side effects.

Obesity experts at Ekol have cautioned that no single medication can fully address such a multifaceted health issue, saying that it is essential to acknowledge potential side effects associated with any medication and to understand that pharmacotherapy must be carefully tailored to each patient’s medical history and overall condition.

They highlight that obesity’s impact goes beyond physical health, with strong links to mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety, a diminished quality of life, and societal stigma.

Health Tech World spoke to Dr. Ömer Yoldaş, a bariatric surgery specialist at Ekol Hospitals, on integrating medications like Mounjaro responsibly and the importance of holistic obesity management.

The UK has recently approved Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management. How significant is this approval in the broader context of obesity treatment, and what impact do you think it will have on patients?

The approval of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is a significant milestone in obesity treatment. It represents a new pharmacological advancement that has shown promising results in weight management.

However, at Ekol Hospitals, we emphasise that obesity is a multifaceted condition that cannot be addressed with a single solution. While Mounjaro is an important tool in the fight against obesity, its success largely depends on its integration into a comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plan. This includes lifestyle modifications, dietary counseling, psychological support, and, when necessary, surgical interventions.

Addressing obesity requires more than just a drug – it demands an integrative and comprehensive approach.

While pharmacological treatments like Mounjaro offer new hope, experts at Ekol Hospitals stress that obesity is a complex condition requiring a multidisciplinary approach. In your experience, what are the key challenges in balancing medication, lifestyle changes, and surgical interventions?

The primary challenge in obesity management is ensuring a holistic and sustainable approach.
While medications like Mounjaro can help control weight, they are not a standalone solution. At Ekol Hospitals, we integrate pharmacological treatment into a broader strategy that includes lifestyle coaching, psychological support, and surgical options when needed.

One of the biggest obstacles patients face is adherence to lifestyle changes, which is why our multidisciplinary team – including dietitians, psychologists, and bariatric specialists – works closely with patients to create tailored plans that promote long-term success rather than short-term weight loss.
Every individual has a unique story when it comes to obesity, and one treatment does not fit all.

Bariatric surgery remains an effective option for many patients with severe obesity. How do you determine whether a patient is better suited for medication-based therapy, surgery, or a combination of both?

At Ekol Hospitals, each patient undergoes a thorough medical evaluation to determine the most appropriate course of action.

Factors such as BMI, metabolic health, comorbidities, and previous weight-loss attempts are considered. Medication-based therapy is often suitable for individuals who require moderate weight loss and can adhere to long-term medical treatment.

Surgery, on the other hand, is recommended for patients with severe obesity (BMI>40 or >35 with comorbidities) who have not achieved success through non-surgical methods. In some cases, a combination approach is adopted where medications are used pre- or post-surgery to enhance outcomes.
Our approach prioritises understanding the patient as a whole – both their medical needs and personal circumstances – ensuring a more effective and lasting outcome.

Obesity is often linked to mental health struggles and social stigma. How does Ekol Hospitals incorporate psychological support into its treatment plans, and why is this aspect so crucial for long-term success?

Obesity is not just a physical condition; it is closely linked to psychological and social factors. Ekol Hospitals places a strong emphasis on mental health support, offering psychological counselling to help patients address emotional eating, self-esteem issues, and anxiety related to obesity. Additionally, our programmes include family education and community engagement to create a supportive environment.

This holistic approach ensures that patients receive not just medical care but also the emotional and psychological support necessary for sustainable weight management.

The stigma around obesity often stops individuals from seeking help, and this only perpetuates a cycle of isolation and worsening health outcomes.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions about obesity treatment, and how can healthcare providers better educate the public about the realities of managing this chronic condition?

One of the biggest misconceptions about obesity is that it results solely from a lack of willpower. In reality, obesity is a chronic medical condition influenced by genetics, metabolism, behavior, and environmental factors. Another common myth is that surgery or medication alone can solve the problem.

At Ekol, we emphasise that obesity treatment requires an integrative approach that includes lifestyle changes, psychological support, and medical interventions tailored to each individual.

Public education through awareness campaigns, community health programmes, and patient-centred guidance is crucial in dispelling these misconceptions.

Children face unique challenges with obesity, and their treatment must include family education, psychological support, and tailored interventions.

Ekol Hospitals has called for a global effort to tackle obesity through innovation and compassion. What steps do you believe healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities should take to ensure sustainable and effective obesity care worldwide?

Ekol Hospitals advocates for a global, collaborative effort to combat obesity. Healthcare providers must embrace a multidisciplinary approach that includes cutting-edge treatments, personalized care, and continuous follow-up. Policymakers should implement regulations that promote healthier lifestyles, such as better food labelling, nutrition education in schools, and subsidies for healthier food options. Communities also play a key role by fostering environments that encourage physical activity and mental wellbeing.

The fight against obesity must be holistic, combining innovation with compassionate care to ensure sustainable health outcomes. The fight against obesity is not just about medicine; it’s about empowering individuals and communities to make informed and sustainable choices.