World-leading experts on obesity gather in Glasgow  

14 Nov 2024

Leading experts in health and nutrition are set to gather at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow on Thursday (14 November) to address the ongoing global obesity crisis. 

The event – part of the President’s Conference on Confronting Obesity – will examine whether obesity is caused by genetics or environment, the economics of the issue, innovative treatments and prevention, the clinical consequences, and the future. 

In the last 20 years, there has been a 50% increase in those dying of obesity-related disease across the world. Described by the World Health Organisation as a ‘global epidemic,’ rising obesity rates pose a significant risk to public health and are increasing the burden on global healthcare systems.  

Speaker Adam Bradshaw, Senior Policy Advisor at the Tony Blair Institute, is expected to highlight that obesity “is both a health crisis, straining the NHS, and an economic one, reducing productivity and growth”, which is limiting state capacity to invest in public services.  

Mr Bradshaw has underlined that currently, obesity and overweight costs the UK £98 billion per year, of which £63 billion is borne by individuals through reduced health and caregiving services, while society absorbs £35 billion via NHS costs and lost productivity. 

He said: “Addressing obesity demands an ambitious approach, including a new preventative health service that can leverage technology to deliver effective interventions, including cutting-edge treatments”. 

Dame Anna Dominiczak, who has served as the Chief Scientist to the Scottish Government since 2022, will emphasise the importance of investing in research to drive forward prevention and curb obesity rates. She said: “Obesity remains a significant and complex public health challenge, but research and innovation can offer solutions. 

“Defining new models of care for obesity treatment, developing the use of digital support tools and supporting more clinical trials is part of our commitment to improving health for people living with obesity and its serious consequences including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.” 

Mike McKirdy, President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, said: “The impact of obesity on health and wellbeing – and on the economy and healthcare infrastructure – is staggering. It is clear that tackling the issue must be a priority for governments and health systems around the world. 

“As the UK’s only multidisciplinary Royal College, it is fitting that we are bringing together leading experts to give their views on what needs to be done – and how.  

“I’m particularly delighted that the conference comes as we prepare to celebrate our 425^th anniversary of the College community, and the innovators who have helped shape healthcare in the UK and beyond. 

“The medical professions have a critical role to play in tackling global challenges, and innovating solutions.” 

The impact on health and wellbeing from rising obesity rates in children and young people are laid bare, and consultant paediatrician, Dr Dita Aswani said “every contact is an opportunity to seek permission for an informed, sensitive and non-judgemental discussion about the benefits of a healthy weight, recognising that the environments many children and young people find themselves in, limits what they themselves can influence and curbs their choices”.  

Alongside this, clinicians from across the UK will highlight the effects of obesity on physical and mental ill health and the role of obesity in chronic disease and morbidity. Particularly the impact on obstetrics and gynaecology and the safety implications for patients needing surgery in the preoperative period.  

New and emerging treatments have allowed patients and clinicians more choice when engaging in weight loss services. This includes weight-loss drugs, bariatric surgery and support for people to make healthier choices.  

Professor Naveed Sattar reflects on the rising popularity of weight loss drugs, which more than six million people in the UK and 1 million in Scotland could benefit. However, despite evidence this can reduce cases of obesity related disease, costs for the NHS remain a major barrier for accessing this treatment.