The obesity crisis is one of the most pressing public health problems of our time. Imperial’s Healthcare Professional Interest Network have invited speakers from various backgrounds to share their insights on the prevention of this complex health concern. We welcome Imperial alumni, students and the public to join us for a stimulating debate asking ‘is what we’re doing working?’.
The panel
- Sarah Le Brocq, obesity advocate, public speaker & patient leader
- Tony Veverka, Group Chief Executive Officer at Transform Hospital Group
- Dr Elisa Pineda, Research Associate at the Centre for Health Economics & Policy Innovation
Obesity is a complex condition, with social and psychological dimensions. This crisis – often referred to as a pandemic – affects all ages and all socioeconomic groups. As reported by the World Health Organisation, worldwide obesity has nearly tripled between 1975 and 2016. In 2016, about 13% of the world’s adult population were obese. We have also recently witnessed the colliding of the obesity pandemic with the COVID-19 pandemic; obesity is the second biggest factor for COVID-related hospital admissions.
We know obesity is preventable, but is what we are doing really working or enough to prevent this crisis? Who should we trust when we get conflicting advice from the food industry, evidence-based research and health care professionals? Adding to the confusion we have our Public Health system being dismantled in favour of a new National Institute for Health Protection (NIHP).
Chaired by Imperial’s Professor Gary Frost, Chair in Nutrition and Dietetics, our panel and audience discussion will attempt to get some much-needed answers.
The Imperial College London Healthcare Professional Interest Network (PIN) is led by a group of alumni volunteers. The Network aims to provide a forum for those with similar industry interests to come together and actively discuss topical challenges, share ideas, challenges and expertise, and in doing so enhance their professional development and connections.