AGU Conference to Combat the Obesity Epidemic Launches Next May

Manama – AGU

His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of Arabian Gulf University (AGU), emphasised the critical need to explore advanced treatments for obesity at modern medical conferences, especially as global rates continue to rise, posing a significant threat to public health. He underscored the necessity of adopting scientific and innovative approaches to treating obesity, prioritising awareness and preventive measures.

With the approach of the AGU Conference themed “Tackling the Obesity Epidemic: Insights for a Healthier Future,” set for May, His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council of Health, will be in attendance. The conference will bring together leading physicians and consultants to discuss the global challenges posed by the obesity epidemic. They will review the latest scientific advancements and practical solutions aimed at improving weight management and preventing obesity, particularly in light of increasing global obesity rates.

Dr Al Fuhaid noted that specialised medical conferences like this one foster the exchange of expertise and knowledge among professionals in the field. He believes that enhancing collaboration between physicians and researchers to develop new treatment strategies is essential. This collaboration is crucial for raising awareness about the dangers of obesity and preventive measures, ultimately improving quality of life and reducing the prevalence of related diseases.

The conference will also provide a platform to explore the latest treatments and scientific research on obesity, which is increasingly recognised not just as a cosmetic concern but as a precursor to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and hypertension, along with significant psychological and social implications.

One of the key focuses of the conference will be the integrated approach required to treat obesity, encompassing psychological, nutritional, and physical factors to achieve better long-term outcomes. Emphasis will also be placed on intensifying scientific research and developing new technologies for obesity treatment, including gene therapy and early therapeutic interventions.

Professor Amgad Elbaz, Conference Chair and Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at AGU, confirmed that the two-day agenda, taking place from May 8 to 9, will present the latest developments and evidence-based practices concerning obesity treatments. Conference speakers will share experiences from various medical specialties during collaborative sessions that examine the complications of obesity across major body systems.

In addition, the conference will feature interactive workshops addressing various topics, including the role of technology in weight management, national strategies in Gulf countries to combat obesity, psychological and social factors promoting healthy lifestyles, the pathophysiology of obesity and related genetics, and associated chronic health conditions like diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, heart and liver disease, mental illness, and cancer.

The conference will bring together a select group of physicians, experts, researchers, and decision-makers from around the world to showcase the latest research and successful practices in the fields of health and nutrition, offering innovative insight for a healthier and more sustainable future. The event is expected to attract a diverse audience of public health professionals, including physicians, nutritionists, researchers, and students from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences. It will serve as a unique platform for networking and fostering international partnerships aimed at strengthening efforts to combat obesity.

Topics to be discussed will include obesity prevention and management, obesity in children and adolescents, obesity’s impact on women’s health, recent research in obesity and nutrition, lifestyle interventions, obesity medications, and the latest advancements in surgical procedures for treating severe obesity. Additionally, discussions will address societal challenges related to combating obesity, featuring keynote sessions led by distinguished speakers from various participating countries.

Three workshops will be conducted alongside the conference, focusing on nutrition for obese patients and management strategies, the role of primary healthcare in addressing obesity, and foundational surgical skills, including endoscopic techniques.