CPGs are an important component in the obesity prevention and management ecosystem and are designed to optimise patient care by enabling health care professionals, patients living with obesity and policy makers to collaboratively select the best care for a unique patient based on his or her preferences. Distinct from expert position statements, CPGs are informed by a systematic review of evidence and an assessment of the benefits and harms between and among care options. They are not endorsements for obesity treatment products, programmes, therapies, or services — instead, they offer an independent evaluation of the quality of the relevant scientific literature, and an assessment of the likely benefits and harms of particular treatments.
The specific objectives of this initiative are to:
- Support the development, adaptation, and implementation of high-quality, scientifically rigorous clinical practice guidelines to improve obesity treatment and management across Europe;
- Facilitate the development of a unified evidence-based approach to addressing obesity across disciplines and countries;
- Lay the foundation for health services policy and practice through evidence-based tools and guidance that meet national needs;
- Help establish strong local communities of practice to foster obesity research, education, and advocacy across Europe.