In a recent statement titled "Weight Management and CGM," the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity (KSSO) has voiced concerns over the unverified use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices for weight loss in individuals without diabetes.

Such concerns come amid companies like Dr.Diary introducing programs that challenge traditional diet paradigms by leveraging CGM technology.

Dr.Diary launched its weight management program, Gluet in March last year, promoting it as a novel diet methodology that breaks away from calorie-based diets by focusing on blood sugar management.

The program aims to monitor the dieter's condition through their blood sugar levels, providing personalized guidance on food intake and exercise.

Dr.Diary announced last month that it had reached a milestone of 100,000 CGM units sold, with users reportedly experiencing an average weight loss of over 5 kgs.

The statement highlighted the lack of scientific and medical evidence supporting the effectiveness of CGM in non-diabetic weight management amidst growing popularity for this purpose.

CGMs have been increasingly adopted by those seeking to manage their weight without having diabetes, based on the assumption that monitoring blood sugar levels and adjusting diets to prevent spikes can inhibit excessive insulin secretion and thus control weight gain.

However, the KSSO points out that these claims have not been sufficiently validated through scientific or medical research.

According to the society, CGM is currently recommended by professional associations for improving clinical outcomes in patients with Type 1 diabetes, as well as those with Type 2 diabetes who use insulin, experience significant fluctuations in blood sugar, or have episodes of hypoglycemia.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approves the use of CGM devices exclusively for diabetic patients, requiring review for any obesity-related advertising.

However, society expressed deep concerns over the proliferation of unverified CGM-based obesity management methods.

The KSSO's Clinical Guidelines Committee found minimal research supporting the effectiveness of CGM in weight management, with only a few short-term studies on small participant groups indicating negligible benefits.

This lack of substantial evidence has led society to caution against the routine recommendation of CGM for weight loss among the general population.

The KSSO emphasized that using CGM for weight management in non-diabetics lacks objective medical evidence and may lead the public to overlook the importance of scientifically proven, sustainable weight management strategies.

The society also warned against the misconception that expensive equipment is necessary for obesity management, potentially imposing unnecessary financial burdens on individuals.

The society concluded that CGM is not essential for these lifestyle changes, emphasizing the need for a broader approach to health and weight management.

"Instead of CGM, we recommend comprehensive lifestyle changes as the most effective way to manage obesity and improve health," the KSSO said. "Balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management are identified as the cornerstone of maintaining health and appropriate weight, supported by extensive scientific research."