APOP December Update: GLP-1 Research in Pets and the 2025 Obesity Survey
December Update from APOP: Clinical Progress, Emerging GLP-1 Research, and the 2025 Opinion Survey
As we close out the year, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reflects on two decades of progress in recognizing obesity as a clinical disease in companion animals. This month’s update includes a year-end message from Dr. Ernie Ward, a reminder to participate in the 2025 Pet Obesity & Nutrition Opinion Survey, and perspective on recent media coverage surrounding GLP-1 therapies for pets.
A Message from Dr. Ernie Ward
As we close out the year, I’ve been reflecting on how far our profession has come in recognizing obesity as a true clinical disease over APOP's 20 years. Conversations in exam rooms, classrooms, and major news outlets indicate that more people recognize the value of maintaining a pet’s healthy body condition, the complex causes of obesity, and the importance of early intervention.
I’m grateful for the work you do each day to support pets and the families who love them. Your commitment moves this mission forward, and I’m optimistic about the progress we’ll make together in the year ahead.
2025 Pet Obesity & Nutrition Opinion Survey
Open Through December 31
There is still time to participate in this year’s Pet Obesity & Nutrition Opinion Survey. If you have not yet completed it, we would be grateful for your input. The survey takes only a few minutes, and every response helps us better understand current trends in obesity prevalence, feeding practices, and nutritional perceptions in dogs and cats.
If you have already participated, thank you. Please consider sharing the survey with colleagues, clients, and other pet owners. Broad participation strengthens the data and improves our collective understanding of companion animal nutrition and obesity.
Growing Public Awareness of Pet Obesity and Emerging Treatments
Public interest in pet obesity has increased significantly following coverage by major outlets, including The New York Times, CNN International, BBC Live News, and CBS Morning Show. Several stories referenced early research into GLP-1 medications for pets, the same class of drugs that has reshaped diabetes and weight-management care in human medicine.
As noted in the New York Times, “Veterinarians are on the precipice of a complete new era in obesity medicine.”
This increased visibility reflects broader recognition of obesity as a serious, multifactorial disease in companion animals.
Understanding the Science Behind the Headlines
While the attention is encouraging, the current body of evidence remains preliminary. Existing studies are limited in scale, and larger, well-controlled trials are necessary to evaluate safety, effectiveness, dosing protocols, long-term feasibility, and cost considerations.
Owner behavior and feeding practices will also play critical roles. Feeding is often closely tied to expressions of affection, and sustainable obesity treatment requires long-term adherence and consistent communication.
At present, the core principles of obesity management remain unchanged:
Routine body condition scoring
Thoughtful, individualized nutritional planning
Clear and consistent clinical language
Ongoing monitoring and support
If GLP-1 therapies ultimately demonstrate safety, practicality, and affordability in veterinary patients, they may become an additional option for select cases of clinical obesity. APOP will continue to monitor emerging research, assist investigators when appropriate, and provide evidence-based updates as new data become available.
Clinical Tools and Resources
APOP continues to provide practical tools to support consistent assessment and communication in clinical practice:
Daily Feeding Calculators
Estimate daily caloric needs for dogs and cats.
Step Weight-Loss Calculator (Veterinary Teams)
Guides safe, gradual weight-loss planning to support long-term adherence.
Pet Weight Check Estimator
Provides breed-specific weight ranges with a simplified three-step check for dog and cat owners.
Body Condition Score (BCS) Charts
Standardized 9-point BCS charts for dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses to support consistent assessment and clinical communication.
Daily Energy Requirements (DER/MER) Calculator
Assists veterinary professionals in creating accurate feeding plans by life stage and activity level.
Sponsor Spotlight: Continuing Education in Therapeutic Nutrition
Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets is offering a complimentary, self-paced continuing education course on Therapeutic Nutrition for Obesity and Weight Management. The program is designed to strengthen veterinary team confidence in discussing nutrition, weight management, and obesity care with clients.
In addition, Purina provides 17.5 hours of RACE-approved continuing education across multiple nutrition-focused topics. Courses are available at DailyNutritionMatters.com.
We appreciate our sponsors for their commitment to advancing companion animal health and supporting APOP’s mission to promote awareness, prevent obesity, encourage healthy body condition, and improve treatment for pets living with obesity.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors for their ongoing commitment to advancing companion animal health and supporting APOP’s mission. Their partnership helps sustain research initiatives, educational campaigns, clinical tools, and outreach efforts focused on improving prevention, promoting healthy body condition, and strengthening treatment strategies for pets living with obesity.
Collaborative support from industry, academia, and practicing veterinarians remains essential as we continue to advance consistent definitions, standardized assessment tools, and evidence-based approaches to clinical obesity.