Reacción a "Medicines for obesity control are associated with a healthier shopping basket"

Is the study of good quality?

“The study puts forward an interesting idea for exploring the population’s dietary habits. However, from a formal and scientific standpoint, its contribution is limited, as the results presented do not reach a particularly high level of depth or relevance

As regards the methodology, the analyses conducted are appropriate, although the work contains some gaps that could be addressed to strengthen the interpretation of the results. Overall, the study has potential, but it would require further development to aspire to publication in a journal of the impact level at which it is aimed".

Are there any limitations that should be taken into account?

“The study itself acknowledges several limitations that should be borne in mind when interpreting the results. In my view, the most notable is the lack of relevant data on participants’ characteristics, which makes it difficult to extrapolate the findings in a way that is properly aligned with the stated objectives. To begin with, the participants are individuals willing to share their shopping receipts, and this can be interpreted in many different ways. In addition, there are no data on body mass index, age, the presence or absence of other associated conditions, or regular engagement in physical exercise, which represents another important limitation. Moreover, it cannot be ruled out that some of the observed changes at this early stage of treatment are related to support from other healthcare professionals involved in the weight-loss process, rather than being attributable exclusively to the intervention analysed.

On the other hand, the length of the follow-up period and the high number of recorded purchases partially offset the small sample size. Finally, as the authors themselves point out, another potential limitation of the study is the possible misclassification of some of the foods purchased".

What implications does it have, and how does it fit with the existing evidence?

“Honestly, I do not consider this study to represent a significant advance in the current scientific evidence. Nevertheless, it can be seen as a first step towards new approaches to research in this area, which could in future be complemented by larger studies with more robust methodological designs".

Is it novel?

“Yes, the study may be regarded as novel insofar as it proposes a different way of approaching research, by moving it beyond the controlled laboratory environment and closer to the real-life habits of the population. This approach allows behaviours to be observed in a more everyday context, which may provide a perspective that complements the existing evidence".

Can medicines of this type help to change behavioural patterns?

“From my perspective, these medicines are unlikely to offer a behavioural benefit over and above that provided by other drugs. As with antihypertensive agents or antidiabetic treatments such as insulin, their effectiveness depends to a large extent on patients’ habits, routines and adherence to treatment. Therefore, while they may contribute to physiological goals, they neither replace nor enhance behavioural therapy in and of themselves".