“Tackling the Obesity Epidemic: Insights for a Healthier Future” Conference to Launch Next May: SCH President Commends AGU’s Role in Hosting Medical Conferences and Initiatives

Manama – Arabian Gulf University: Under the patronage of His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH), the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) is set to organise an international conference in May themed “Tackling the Obesity Epidemic: Insights for a Healthier Future”. The conference will be held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in the conference hall, aiming to discuss the global challenges associated with the obesity epidemic and to review the latest scientific developments and practical solutions for weight management and obesity prevention.

Lt. Gen. Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa praised AGU’s commitment to consistently hosting major medical conferences, emphasising its ongoing leadership in organising conferences, initiatives and events that aim to raise community awareness and discuss recent developments across various medical sectors.

He stated: “The university actively contributes to enhancing medical knowledge and facilitating the exchange of expertise among health professionals, reflecting its commitment to the development of the medical sector in the region”. He further noted that these conferences offer an important opportunity for scientists and doctors to exchange ideas and innovations that can enhance the quality of healthcare and facilitate sustainable progress in this vital sector.

 For his part, His Excellency Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of AGU, revealed that the conference agenda, spanning two days from May 8 to 9, will showcase the latest developments and findings related to obesity, including the most up-to-date evidence-based guidelines concerning medications and interventional procedures for obesity treatment. Participants will also share experiences from various medical specialties during joint discussion sessions to examine the complications of obesity on different major body systems.

He also indicated that the conference sessions will feature interactive workshops covering a range of topics, such as discussing the role of technology in weight management, national strategies in GCC countries to combat obesity, the psychological and social factors in promoting a healthy lifestyle, and the pathophysiology of obesity along with its related genetics. Additionally, chronic health conditions associated with obesity, such as diabetes, dyslipidaemia, heart and liver diseases, mental health disorders and cancer will also be addressed.

The conference will gather a distinguished group of doctors, experts, researchers and policymakers from around the world to showcase the latest research and successful practices in the fields of health and nutrition. The conference aims to provide innovative insights for a healthier and more sustainable future. A wide audience is expected to attend, including general health stakeholders, physicians, nutrition specialists, researchers and medical and health sciences students, making it a unique platform for networking and establishing international partnerships to enhance efforts in combating obesity.

Additionally, the conference will discuss a number of key topics concerning the prevention and management of obesity, childhood and adolescent obesity, as well as obesity and women’s health, with a focus on recent research in areas such as obesity and nutrition, lifestyle interventions, obesity medications and the latest updates related to surgical interventions for morbid obesity. Prominent speakers in the field of obesity treatment from various participating countries will lead the main sessions, discussing the societal challenges related to combating obesity.

In conjunction with the conference, three workshops will be held focusing on nutrition for obese patients and strategies for their management, the role of primary healthcare in addressing this condition, and a workshop on acquiring essential surgical skills as well as the use of endoscopy.