Conference at a Glance

Obesity has risen to epidemic levels in the U.S. It leads to devastating and costly health problems, reduces life expectancy and is associated with stigma and discrimination. On the surface, it may seem that the solution to the obesity epidemic is obvious: people should eat less and exercise more. The reality is that this change is very difficult to accomplish and research is critical to address the issues successfully. ¹

Come hear internationally renowned experts from North Carolina and beyond discuss the latest scientific research into the nature, prevention and treatment of obesity. Untangle the web of weight loss theories, learn about the economic and health consequences of this disease and what is being done to address this problem in North Carolina and elsewhere.

This educational media forum is part of an ongoing series of NCABR and Research!America programs that encourages exchange between researchers and journalists about high profile issues at the intersection of science and society.

1. National Institutes of Health, Strategic Plan for NIH Obesity Research, 2003

ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED

• The obesity epidemic: nature, scope and associated health risks;
• Economic impact of obesity and market interventions;
• Obesity prevention and health promotion in children:
  • Research opportunities and challenges;
  • State and national program initiatives;
• Obesity treatment research:
  • Gastric bypass surgery: the North Carolina angle;
  • Atkins and other diets;
  • New avenues in obesity drug therapy; and
  • The latest research in weight management through diet and fitness.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Dr. Louis Aronne — internationally-recognized obesity specialist
Dr. Howard Eisenson — director of world-renowned weight management center
Dr. Eric Finkelstein — economist specializing in obesity’s financial consequences
Dr. Brian Huber — pharmaceutical industry leader in obesity drug development
Dr. Walter Pories — pioneer in gastric bypass surgery
Ms. Sheree Thaxton — key North Carolina official for childhood obesity prevention initiative
Dr. Dianne Ward — obesity prevention expert specializing in youth risk factors
Dr. Eric Westman — leading obesity researcher on dietary approaches to weight loss

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