1pm-2:30pm Sunday 29 November 2009, Sydney Convention Centre, Darling Harbour
RSVP to ascept@meetingsfirst.com.au

Please click here to view the media alert and here to view a printable poster

Media Release                                                                                  26 October 2009

OBESITY – ARE DRUGS THE ANSWER?

Free Public Meeting, Darling Harbour, Sunday 29 November 2009

Leading obesity researchers are calling for more open debate on the place of drugs in the treatment of obesity.

Obesity and being overweight is so common now in Australian adults, that it may be considered the norm. Obesity is placing an enormous burden on our health resources, and having disastrous effects on quality of life. The role of drugs in weight loss has not received as much attention as dieting, meal supplements, surgery or exercise, yet they can play a significant role in treatment.

“We are holding this free public meeting for those who are interested in obesity and would like to hear the latest independent and evidence-based information on the role of drugs in managing the condition,” said the organiser of the meeting Professor Margaret Morris, Head of Pharmacology at the University of New South Wales.

Presenters include Professor Ian Caterson from the University of Sydney’s Institute of Obesity, Nutrition & Exercise, Professor Joe Proietto from the Austin Hospital, University of Melbourne, and Professor Ric Day, from St Vincent’s Hospital, University of New South Wales, in addition to Professor Morris.

To reduce the metabolic and cardiovascular disease associated with obesity, we need to develop safe, effective drug therapies, which can be used in conjunction with healthy diet and lifestyle interventions. We also need to continue to implement targeted obesity prevention programs to improve quality of life.

Recent research is exploring new approaches to drug therapy, based on an increasing understanding of how our body regulates food intake and energy expenditure.

Other research has found that weight loss results in hormonal changes that can make it difficult to maintain the loss.  This work is continuing and medicines have been identified as playing an important role, maybe more so than during the weight loss period.

The impact of obesity is of great concern and it is considered a high-risk factor in five of the eight National Health Priority Areas[1] (NHPA).  This has been reflected in the increase of funding to support research by the NHMRC from nearly $2.5million in 2000 to nearly $23 million in 2008. Some would argue that there is an economic imperative to develop better drugs to reduce the burden of obesity in our community.

This public meeting, preceding the 2009 ASCEPT Annual Scientific Meeting, aims to attract those with a professional interest in these areas as well as the general public.