Over the past decade, scientific understanding of obesity has changed fundamentally. Once considered a simple consequence of excess energy intake, obesity is now recognised as a biologically heterogeneous condition with diverse causes, manifestations and health outcomes.

More than 2.5 billion people globally live with overweight or obesity, and this number continues to rise. Obesity is associated with over 250 related health conditions, yet the health risks vary substantially between individuals and populations.

The Nature Medicine Commission on Data-Driven Management of Obesity was established to respond to this complexity by developing data-driven approaches for clinical decision-making in obesity prevention and treatment. To achieve this, the Commission brings together leading global experts in clinical medicine, epidemiology, data science and public health. Their work will help healthcare practitioners determine:

• Who is at greatest risk of developing severe obesity and related disease
• Which therapies are most effective for specific individuals
• How health systems can deliver more effective and equitable obesity care