In a significant development, Kobe University led the development of the Japan Obesity Research Based on Electronic Health Records (J-ORBIT) database, which represents a significant step forward in obesity research and management. This novel technology automatically collects and updates medical records for obese patients and those with obesity-related disorders, providing a unique and dependable resource for health promotion and drug research.

Dr. Ogawa Wataru, an endocrinologist at Kobe University, highlights the importance of obesity in the development of several diseases. "Obesity is at the root of many diseases," the doctor says. Obesity has been associated with the development of diabetes, hypertension, gout, coronary heart disease, stroke, and various other illnesses. Addressing obesity is thus not only good for individual health but also necessary for the efficient use of public health resources.

Understanding the complicated interactions between obesity and linked disorders has long been a difficult task. He says, "Witnessing the complex health challenges faced by obese patients in daily clinical practice inspired me to seek a solution that more accurately reflects their true condition." Traditional data sources are either insufficient or largely focused on insurance reimbursement, resulting in an inaccurate picture of patients' health conditions.

To close this gap, Dr Ogawa launched the development of a new data-collecting template based on Japanese digital medical records. This system incorporates sample analysis data, drug prescriptions, patient examination records, and illness incidence; it automatically updates an anonymised database file whenever a patient visits one of Japan's seven participating healthcare facilities. "This database system now enables the efficient collection and analysis of comprehensive clinical information related to obesity management—something that was not possible before," says Dr Ogawa of the initiative, which is overseen by the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity.

In the Journal of Diabetes Investigation, Dr Ogawa and his colleagues describe preliminary findings from 1,169 of the approximately 3,000 patients now registered in the J-ORBIT database. The findings show that the majority of obese people have three other diabetes-related disorders, which confirms and clarifies earlier ideas regarding the links between obesity and other conditions. Furthermore, the data shows that certain treatment methods, such as behavioural therapy, are underused. The dataset's comprehensiveness revealed a high prevalence of illnesses not generally associated with fat, such as menstrual irregularities and female infertility.

J-ORBIT shares its design and some data with J-DREAMS, a medical database run by the Japan Diabetes Society that collects information from diabetic patients. Dr Ogawa elaborates: "I was involved in the management of J-DREAMS and wanted to develop a similar database specifically for obesity management." At institutions that contribute to both databases, pertinent patient data is automatically collected and transmitted, providing researchers with well-contextualised, reliable information. However, this integration may result in an over-representation of diabetes cases in the J-ORBIT database.

One of the system's most significant advantages is its capacity to identify individuals who would benefit most from weight loss and recommend appropriate treatment alternatives. The pharmaceutical industry has taken notice, with numerous businesses producing anti-obesity medications contributing funds to the scheme. Some have already begun to study the data. Dr Ogawa says: "As obesity treatment undergoes a major transformation, a database like J-ORBIT will be of great importance."

Obesity rates in Japan are quite low when compared to other countries. The National Health and Nutrition Survey of 2010 found that the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥30) among Japanese individuals aged 20 years and older was 3.8% in men and 3.2% in women. However, the prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥25) was much higher, at 30.4% in males and 21.1% in females. Male overweight has nearly doubled over the previous 35 years from 15% to 30%. Cite, turn, search

Despite its low obesity rates, Japan bears a significant burden of obesity-related health problems. Diabetes, an obesity-related disease, is estimated to affect 9-19% of Japanese adults, compared to 13% of individuals in the United States, although obesity is more prevalent in the latter. The Japan Society for the Study of Obesity (JASSO) defines obesity as a BMI of ≥25 kg/m², which differs from the definition by the World Health Organisation.

The J-ORBIT database represents a significant step forward in Japan's fight against obesity and its associated health consequences. J-ORBIT helps us understand the multidimensional impact of obesity on health by offering a comprehensive and reliable collection of epidemiological data. This effort not only promotes more effective treatment procedures; it also emphasises the significance of preventive measures in public health policy. As obesity treatment advances, integrating strong data systems will become critical for establishing tailored interventions and optimising healthcare resources.