Abstract Submission
Is Now Closed

Controversies in the Prevention and Management of Obesity:
Responsibilities, Roles and Results

Introduction

The largest ever UK study into obesity, backed by government and compiled by 250 experts, says excess weight is now the norm in our "obesogenic" society.

The report goes on to say 'Dramatic and comprehensive action is required to stop the majority of us becoming obese by 2050'.

The statistics don't make encouraging reading for our society. Obesity and the treatment of the obese individual are challenging public health issues and by its very nature the problem is multi-factorial, since the issue lies in societal and environmental factors as well as behavioural aspects in the individual.

The understanding of the increasing rise in the overweight and obese population in the UK and Europe has greatly improved and from this numerous strategies and networks have been developed and more are being developed at all levels within the various statutory and community sectors to reduce the prevalence of an obese population. However, all of this is clearly perceived as not enough.

In December 2006, the UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence published its Guidelines on Obesity: the prevention, identification, assessment and management of overweight and obesity in adults and children.

The Conference will review the effects of the Guidelines one year on with a speaker from the Healthcare Commission.

This, the Fourth Conference, will look at the 'pinch' points of delivering clinical and social strategies for the prevention of obesity as well as the support of the UK's overweight and obese population.We will discuss what more needs to be done and why results so far are perceived as limited.

The aim of this Conference is to offer a wide range of information to illustrate to professionals who are involved in obesity to identify what the best solutions are and what best visions and strategic developments are likely to work in the future.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this Conference, participants should be able to:

  • Identify the serious effects of obesity on the health and well-being of individuals and families.
  • Develop advance understanding of the likely contributing factors of weight gain.
  • Outline the use of behavioural/lifestyle improvement techniques in relation to prevention of obesity and management of the obese people in all age groups.
  • Outline interventions at primary and referral levels for the prevention of obesity and evaluate performance to date.
  • Review current approach of PCT and community led initiatives in tackling obesity.
  • Understand the mechanics of developing partnerships to meet the local development plans and agreement targets.
  • Identify effective communication techniques in getting tough messages across to prevent and manage weight in the individual and their support group.

Participants:

Clinical specialists: paediatricians, diabetologists, community physicians, community health doctors, cardiologists, endocrinologists.

Primary care workers: general practitioners, practice and community nurses, health visitors, PCT executives/managers, pharmacists.

Lifestyle clinicians and professionals: food scientists, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, dieticians, educationalists, counsellors, local authorities health professionals, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, and advocacy and policy makers.

Other agencies: governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations, charities.