Inaugural Global Weight Management Congress to unveil strategies to tackle obesity epidemic

With the rise in obesity affecting all nations, the 2015 Global Weight Management Congress will bring together practitioners from the vast array of disciplines that make up the international weight management industry.

To be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in May, the Congress will present the latest research into the epidemiology of obesity, treatments and preventative strategies with aim of ‘cross-pollinating’ the multi-disciplinary fields that co-exist within the weight management industry and give practitioners a platform to network, engage and learn from other experts, leading authorities and professors.

According to Congress organiser Sonja Bella, all areas of society need to address the issue of obesity.

Bella, who is also the Founder and Chief Executive of the Australian Institute of Weigh Loss Consultants, explains “the rates of obesity in both adults, and especially children are devastating (and) the side affects of this condition are killing people and the psychological effects can ruin people's lives..

"With obesity now reaching epidemic proportions, it is clear that the current methodologies and practices need to be reviewed, with the view of finding a new way forward."

With that philosophy the Congress, an Australian first, will bring together leaders and opinion formers who will present best practice methodologies and promote a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to weight management.

The range of speakers includes:

• Professor Gary Egger (Australia’s leading authority on lifestyle and chronic disease),
• Professor Anna Peeters (Head, Obesity and Population Health at the Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute and President Australian & New Zealand Obesity Society)
• Dr Helena Popovic (Neuroscientist, Medical Doctor, Founder of Winning At Slimming) 
• Former Ironman and active lifestyle advocate Guy Leech 
• Fitness Steve Willis (‘Commando Steve’) – personal trainer and The Biggest Loser presenter.

With more and more industries having to deal with obesity issues, the Congress has been organised to cater for both existing and new industries that have found themselves in need of addressing obesity and weight related health issues.

Bella adds "weight management is not confined to the industries we typically expect, such as those dealing with food and exercise," says Sonja. "Now you can find practitioners including Naturopaths, Natural Health Practitioners, Pharmacists, Community Nurses, Diabetes Educators, Psychologists, Counsellors, Massage Therapists, Beauticians and even Health Writers and Bloggers educating people on weight management.

"With the education gained from the Congress, our aim is that everyone who deals with the effects of obesity and weight related issues in any way, will learn the most up-to-date and effective ways to help solve this global problem.

"The speakers participating in the Congress are excited to impart their knowledge, a lot of which is new and really is cutting-edge and will hopefully change the way we deal with Australia's obesity problems."

According to a study published in medical journal The Lancet in 2014, 2.1 billion people worldwide are overweight or obese – 305 of the world’s population – a figure that has tripled since 1980.

In Australia, over 14 million people are considered overweight or obese.

For more information go to www.globalweightmanagement.org or click here to view Congress details in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

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