Diagnosis and Management of the Patient with Obesity: Position Statement of the Obesity and Sarcopenia Working Group of the Spanish Society of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine

Obesity is a multifactorial, chronic, and complex disease that increases the risk of medical complications in the short, medium and long term, reducing functional capacity and life expectancy. Its management must be comprehensive, aimed at improving functionality beyond weight loss. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) plays a central role in the assessment and management of these patients, as obesity affects their overall functioning. Interventions are designed to improve function, quality of life, and prognosis, while reducing the burden of morbidity and mortality. However, most healthcare professionals lack specific training, and existing clinical guidelines rarely address rehabilitation interventions. Developing evidence-based recommendations for the rehabilitative management of overweight and obesity can optimize care and health outcomes. PM&R specialists should actively participate in managing these patients through a personalized therapeutic plan derived from a thorough comprehensive assessment. This plan includes individualized exercise prescriptions, pharmacotherapy, nutritional intervention, and psychological support, with continuous monitoring of progress throughout the care process.

Published by Rehabilitacion, 2026. The guideline itself is at the source linked here.

doi.org/10.1016/j.rh.2026.100968