Obesity: The Scourge of Modern Civilisation! 6th Annual Conference
Article Type: Conference reports From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 39, Issue 2.
Monday 6-Tuesday 7 October 2008; The Royal College of Physicians, London; Organised by the National Obesity Forum (NOF)
This two day conference on obesity was extremely well attended by doctors,nurses, dietitians, researchers and representatives from organisations involved in obesity management.
Due to the interest in the topic the conference was covered in the National press.
Presentations included:
Welcome – Prof Colin Waine who is the Chair of the NOF.
The biology of obesity including the adipocyte and early life influences.
An update on co-morbidities including dyslipidaemia, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Research news including early signs of obesity, pregnancy and physical activity, getting the balance right, diet and activity.
Current issues including a lesson from Bermuda, reports from the regions of the UK, cost effectiveness of obesity management programmes and the role of pharmacies.
Each session included ample time for questions and debate on topics with challenges to research.
Updates on obesity and the adipocyte were of particular importance as was the ability to network with delegates and discuss current research.
There was also a debate on whether childhood obesity should be considered a child protection issue, which was chaired by a TV personality and GP.
There was also a useful exhibition of products and medications related to assisting obese individuals. From stands useful information on DVDs, tape measures, portion pots and guidelines could be obtained.
It is well worth looking out for the 2009 conference, as it is an important event for anyone involved in obesity management.
The National Obesity Forum is the trading name for the charity.
Information is available on the website www.nationalobesityforum.org.uk
