EASO Clinical Practice Guideline Resources

About CPGs

Key Obesity Management Principles

Over the past several years, obesity clinical practice guidelines have evolved to reflect new paradigms in disease management, and a clearer picture of the negative impact that deeply ingrained weight bias and stigma have had on research, knowledge translation, clinical practice and health policy.  View an infographic summarising these principles.

NEW ARTICLE: Incorporating Evidence-Based Obesity Principles into Guidelines for Other Chronic Diseases

EASO’s clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) team recently examined how well recent chronic disease CPGs incorporate modern, evidence-based recommendations on obesity care. The authors conducted a qualitative content analysis of 13 CPGs published since 2019 for conditions related to obesity (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, MASLD, sleep apnoea, etc.) and assessed them against recommendations from leading obesity management frameworks. They found that many chronic disease CPGs still conceptualize obesity as a risk factor rather than as a chronic disease requiring direct management, rarely integrate contemporary obesity management evidence, and include minimal person-centred care principles or stigma-free language. The article concludes that better alignment with current obesity guidance and more collaborative, integrated guideline development are needed to improve care for people with obesity and related multimorbidity.

https://karger.com/ofa/article/doi/10.1159/000549374/938442/To-What-Extent-Do-Clinical-Practice-Guidelines-for

Existing CPGs in Europe

EASO CPG Gaps and Needs Report

The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) aims to support the development of a unified evidence-based approach to addressing obesity across disciplines and countries and advocates for the prioritisation of obesity among relevant policymakers, NGOs, researcher funders, health professionals, media, industry, and the public. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) represent one form of knowledge synthesis intended to optimise patient care. There is currently no systematic assessment of existing obesity clinical practice guidelines in Europe. Moreover, the process of promoting and implementing guidelines into clinical practice is as critical as the development of the guidelines themselves.

To identify EASO members’ demands and needs for support to create and disseminate CPGs, we conducted an online survey and hosted an in-person guideline workshop. We also discussed survey results with EASO members who attended an in-person workshop. The discussion helped us interpret the survey data and identify gaps and needs in a holistic manner, download this report.

Obesity CPGs in Europe

EASO conducted a scan of existing obesity CPGs in Europe. Where available, links to the guidelines are presented below, organised by year.

CPG Creation/Adaptation Resources

Explore our resources and take a proactive step towards enhancing the quality of care in your community.

Discussion and Planning Guidance

Notes on Approach – A short summary of a foundational approach to creating meaningful obesity CPGs. Use this as a conversation starter with like-minded individuals and organisations to start a CPG creation/adaptation project. 

Goals, Roles and Work Plan – A detailed overview of how to assemble CPG teams (oversight, committees, author teams, support roles), set goals and manage people and processes. Includes key considerations for major milestones in the process. 

CPG Discussion Guide Slide Deck – A slide deck to guide internal discussions on whether or not to create new or adapt existing CPGs, as well as key concepts and planning requirements. 

Dissemination Planning

Dissemination Approach & Key Messages /Tactics – Guidance on defining and aligning CPG key messages to core audiences. Includes a template letter to help you find support for dissemination activities.

Grants

New! Clinical Practice Guideline Development & Implementation Grants

The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) is pleased to announce a grant opportunity for national association members to develop, adapt and implement evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the treatment and management of obesity. This initiative has been developed based on a gaps and needs assessment conducted by EASO.

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.