13-и Национален здравен форум: Как да излезем от застоя в здравеопазването?
3 април 2026 г. | Inter Expo Center – София
За 13-а поредна година списание „Мениджър“ организира Национален здравен форум, който ще изследва възможните посоки за преодоляване на застоя в един от най-важните сектори – здравеопазването.
13-и Национален здравен форум ще се проведе на 3 април 2026 г. в Inter Expo Center – София и ще събере водещи медицински специалисти, представители на пациентски организации и експерти от различни области. Целта на форума е да очертае реалистична визия за устойчиво, достъпно и ориентирано към пациента здравеопазване чрез експертен диалог по ключовите теми за системата. Купете билет оттук и запазете своето място.
Форумът ще бъде открит с презентация на тема: „Здравето на фокус“, посветена на данните и изводите от Годишния доклад за състоянието на здравето на гражданите и изпълнението на Националната здравна стратегия 2030.
Следва дискусия на тема: „Диагноза на здравеопазването в България“, която ще разгледа най-належащите реформи в сектора, устойчивостта и финансирането на здравната система, развитието на електронните здравни досиета и проблема с недостига на кадри.
В рамките на разговора: „Ключови пробиви в здравеопазването“ ще бъдат поставени във фокус превенцията, ранната диагностика и иновациите в лечението.
Част от него са дискусията „Ритъмът на здравето“, посветена на профилактиката и лечението на сърдечно-съдовите заболявания, както и „Онкологията днес: науката срещу болестта“, разглеждаща ролята на скрининговите програми, новите терапии, предизвикателствата пред системата и значението на мултидисциплинарния подход.
Програмата продължава с презентация, посветена на антибиотичната резистентност – един от нарастващите глобални здравни рискове.
По време на разговора: „Визията за детското здравеопазване“ ще бъдат обсъдени реалните проблеми в детското здраве, ролята на превенцията и необходимостта от съвременен модел на грижа, включително визията за детска болница на XXI век.
Дискусията „Редките диагнози: пътят от откриване и регистриране до лечение“, която ще разгледа липсата на национален регистър, достъпа до диагностика и терапии, ролята на НЗОК, необходимостта от мултидисциплинарен подход и значението на пациентските организации.
В рамките на панела „Тихите пандемии: невидимите заплахи на века“ ще бъде проведена дискусия за затлъстяването като болест на съвремието, включително връзката му с хроничните заболявания, държавните политики за превенция и съвременните подходи в лечението. Темата за психичното здраве ще бъде засегната в разговора „Ум под напрежение“, посветен на бърнаута, стреса и обществените нагласи.
Форумът ще завърши с дискусия на тема „Здравословният живот като мисия“, която ще постави акцент върху ролята на храненето, съня, физическата активност, генетичните и биомаркерни тестове и технологиите за превенция и ранна диагностика.
Сред лекторите са проф. Арман Постаджиян, проф. Георги Момеков, проф. Иван Литвиненко, д-р Цветелина Спиридонова, Ипократис Пападимитракос, Евгения
Александрова и Боряна Ботева, а панелът за редките заболявания ще бъде модериран от Владимир Томов, председател на Националния алианс на хората с редки болести. Актуална информация за лекторите ще откриете на сайта на събитието.
Запазете своето място още сега – купете билет оттук.
Училище за здраве – за деца, родители и учители, 2026
Кога? 28 юни-5 юли 2026 г.
Къде? к.к. Албена, хотел Малибу 4*
Кой? Деца (6-12 г), родители, учители
Защо? За да научим себе си и децата си за принципите на здравословния начин на живот – балансирано хранене, съчетано с физическа активност и пълноценен сън. За да научим децата сами да избират, предпочитат и приготвят здравословни и вкусни храни. За да познаваме промените в тялото ни. За да четем повече и да ценим знанието и културата. За да се забавляваме заедно.
Титуляр: Българско сдружение за проучване на затлъстяването и съпътстващите го заболявания (БСПЗСЗ)
При попълване на платежното напишете имената на родителя/ родителите и на детето/ децата!
Историяна „Училищезаздраве – за деца, родители и учители“
Инициативата „Училище за здраве“, организирана от Българското сдружение за проучване на затлъстяването и съпътстващите го заболявания, започна през 2012 година.
В течение на изминалите години участваха над 350 деца, родители и учители. Всяка година темите на лекциите са съобразени с детското здраве и превенцията на затлъстяването
Тази година лекторите са водещи български специалисти в областта на детското здраве, развитие и образование. За 6 дни децата преминават обучение с родителите и учителите си за принципите на здравословния начин на живот – балансирано хранене, съчетано с физическа активност и сън. За децата се организират кулинарни работилници, както и игри, свързани с балансираното хранене. Така те могат да се научат сами да приготвят здравословни храни и да правят парвилния избор за храните. Деца, родители и учители ще консумират сутрин, обед и вечер здравословна храна, съобразена спрямо възрастта и националните препоръки за хранене. Денят започва със сутрешна гимнастика на плажа, плуване в морето и басейна и приятни разходки. През деня са подготвени и други спортни игри и занимания. За втора поредна година си партнираме с онлайн платформата „Книговище“. Акцент тази година е и обогатяване познанията на децата и родителите относно човешкото тяло и биологичните промените, които се случват по време на юношеството. Има време и за плаж!
EASO Happy Holidays and Member Opportunities
Dear Colleagues, Dear Friends,
As 2025 comes to a close, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you in the European and global communities dedicated to addressing obesity and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
2025 has been a year of great change and opportunity. Our progress in 2025 has been a testament to the strength of our shared commitment to advancing research, improving education and clinical care, and advocating for policies that support the health and well-being of people within our communities and worldwide. Your tireless efforts continue to drive progress in understanding obesity as a multifaceted chronic disease, breaking down stigma, advancing tools and technologies that help treat obesity and fostering collaboration across sectors and disciplines.
May this holiday season bring you moments of rest and joy with loved ones, and may it renew your energy and resolve to continue making a meaningful impact in 2026. On behalf of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, I wish you a peaceful holiday season and a healthy, prosperous new year.
With sincere regards,
Volkan
Volkan Demirhan Yumuk
President, EASO
Отзвук от първия национален конгрес по затлъстяване с международно участие по повод 30 години от създаването на BASORD
The Bulgarian Association for the Study of Obesity and Related Diseases (BASORD) is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025! In the years since the organisation was founded in 1995, The Bulgarian Association for the Study of Obesity and Related Diseases (BASORD) has had a long and productive history of activities focused on the prevention and management of obesity. Each year, BASORD organises awareness campaigns around World Obesity Day, holds press conferences to raise public and professional awareness, and works to address weight stigma within health systems and society. The association also runs an annual “School for Health” week-long camp for students, parents, and teachers, promoting education and engagement in healthy lifestyles.
BASORD maintains a longstanding and productive collaboration with EASO, the World Obesity Federation (WOF), the World Health Organization (WHO), national ministries of health and education, and the Bulgarian Association of Patients Living with Obesity “Together.”
From 26–28 September 2024, BASORD hosted the 1st National Congress on Obesity in Albena on the Black Sea coast, marking an important milestone in Bulgaria’s obesity research and care community. More than 100 participants from across all areas of obesity management took part. The scientific programme included sessions on childhood and adult obesity, epidemiology, nutrition, pharmacotherapy, and metabolic surgery.
The opening plenary, delivered by Dr Dominik Thor, explored the role of normal weight and BMI as potential predictors of longevity. Julia, a patient living with obesity, shared a powerful and personal account of her experience with obesity as a chronic disease. On the final day, a joint EASO Early Career Network (ECN) and BASORD ECN workshop provided a platform for early career professionals to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration.
Special thanks go to the EASO Executive Board for their valuable participation and for sharing state-of-the-art insights in obesity care. A highlight of the programme was Professor Paulina Nowicka’s lecture on the child–parent partnership model for sustainable obesity care. Meanwhile, the “two Italian musketeers,” Professors Luca Busetto and Paolo Sbraccia, discussed the new EASO Framework for the Diagnosis, Staging, and Management of Obesity and the EASO Framework for the Pharmacological Management of Obesity and its Complications. Bram Berntzen also delivered an excellent presentation introducing the EASO Early Career Network and its opportunities for professional growth.
EASO COM Applications
Obesity is recognised as a global epidemic and the most prevalent metabolic disease world-wide. However, specialised obesity services are not widely available in Europe and obesity care can therefore vary enormously across European regions.
In response to this situation, EASO has developed a network of accredited specialised obesity centres, where the quality and efficacy of the care offered to patients are of the highest standards. Under the EASO Collaborating Centres for Obesity Management (COM) scheme, centres will be accredited in accordance with accepted European and academic guidelines. Our aim is to provide physicians, health-care policy makers and health-care providers with authoritative criteria for the development of Obesity Management Centres across Europe. Accreditation will be granted for a three year period, after which time re-assessment will be undertaken. The COMs network is organised into two sections, one for adult centres and one for paediatric centres.
The EASO COM network may include university and public and private healthcare clinics. Each centre must comply with clearly defined requirements and work in close collaboration for the better management of all patients with obesity. Each accredited centre must ensure that the patient with obesity and overweight is managed by a holistic team of adult or paediatric specialists from multiple professional backgrounds and will receive comprehensive state-of-the-art clinical care in line with existing clinical practice guidelines for adult and paediatric obesity.
Furthermore, the participating centres, under the umbrella of EASO, will work closely for quality control, data collection and analysis, as well as education and research for the advancement of obesity care and obesity science. Centres must be active members of their national association affiliated to EASO and must have participated in past EASO European Congresses on Obesity.
Each centre will be expected to:
Implement state-of-the art evidence-based care for adults, children and adolescents with obesity
Monitor all obesity related health conditions and risk factors
Provide high quality usable patient and public information
Improve access to care pathways by optimising referral processes and developing close working between levels of care
Develop comprehensive multidisciplinary local collaboration
Facilitate and empower adults and families to implement healthy lifestyle changes
Educate staff about treating adults, children and adolescents with obesity
Encourage development of and support Patient/Carer Associations, by sharing experience and expertise
Offer or collaborate with preventive care services
Promote obesity related knowledge and awareness among the public and health care providers
Improve the collaboration interface between clinical researchers and scientists
Integrate health care, teaching and research within their services
Facilitate clinical research projects where appropriate
Participate in EASO’s European Congresses on Obesity
Be active members of their national association affiliated to EASO
Key Benefits
Each centre will be accredited, for a three year period, (two year period for international affiliate) having met comprehensive criteria as set out by EASO and according to recognised European management guidelines – and will therefore be recognised as a leading obesity management centre in Europe.
Accredited centres will have the opportunity to:
Contribute to the development of EASO pan-European protocols for the evaluation of patients with obesity
Contribute to the development of consensus statements/guidelines on specialised aspects of obesity management
Contribute to obesity education across Europe
Participate in an EASO led pan-European scientific/clinical exchange programme
Participate in EASO facilitated Clinical Trials and Pilot Studies
Participate in EASO coordinated research projects
Participate in adult and paediatric COM Summit Meetings that take place each year in October
Access and contribute to future EASO pan-European system of data collection and analysis
Access a web-based adult and paediatric COM community where each centre can post job vacancies and highlight the key capabilities and features of the centre
How Can You Apply?
All interested centres should complete the EASO Adult COMs Application Form which will be assessed by the EASO OMWG (Obesity Management Working Group). Paediatric centres should complete the EASO Paediatric COMs Application Form which will be assessed by the EASO COWG (Childhood Obesity Working Group). Applications will be assessed up to three times per year – February, June and October.
If you require further information please contact the EASO Secretariat at enquiries@easo.org.
The EASO COMs form a network of European obesity management centres that unite to exchange expertise and experience. Each COM is assessed based on the criteria set out above and each is a separate and independent legal entity. Neither EASO nor any individual COM is responsible for the services or activities of any other COM. EASO does not necessarily endorse projects and actions undertaken by individual COMs.
Първи национален конгрес по затлъстяване с международно участие
По случай 30 години от създаването на Българското сдружение за проучване на затлъстяването и съпътстващите го заболявания ви каним на Първия национален конгрес по затлъстяване с международно участие с подкрепата на Европейската асоциация за изследване на затлъстяването (EASO)
Дати: 26-28 септември 2025 г. Местоположение: Конгресен център “Маритим Парадайз Блу”, к.к. Албена
Основни теми:
Затлъстяване и сърдечно-съдова система
Затлъстяване и ендокринна система
Затлъстяване и репродуктивна система
Детско затлъстяване
Фармакотерапия на затлъстяването
Диетотерапия на затлъстяването
Бариатрична хирургия
Представяне на новите препоръки за стадиране, диагностика и терапия на затлъстяването на Европейската асоциация за изследване на затлъстяването (EASO)
Официален език: Български език Участници: Специализанти, докторанти, млади лекари, специалисти ендокринолози, кардиолози, гастроентеролози, педиатри, бариатрични хирурзи, диетолози, общопрактикуващи лекари и други.
This edition of Meet the COMs features MBAL “Sveta Sofia”, an Adult COM based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Led by Dr. Konstantin Grozdev and Professor Teodora Handjieva-Darlenska, this COM comprises a multidisciplinary team of endocrinologists, a cardiologist, a dietitian, a bariatric surgeon, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and a sleep apnea specialist. Together, they provide comprehensive obesity care using a holistic, patient-centred approach. Their COM services encompass surgical interventions, medical assessments based on metabolic and cardiac status, medical nutrition therapy, psychological evaluation and counselling, and pharmacotherapy. MBAL “Sveta Sofia” also offers a Laparoscopic Metabolic Surgery Course to train surgeons in this field. In addition to their roles within the COM, Dr. Grozdev serves as the President of the Bulgarian Society for Bariatric/ Metabolic Surgery, while Prof. Handjieva-Darlenska is the President of the Bulgarian Association for the Study of Obesity and Related Diseases.
Welcome! What have been some of the key achievements and updates from your COM in the past year?
Over the past 12 months, our COM has actively participated in campaigns focused on raising awareness of obesity as a chronic and relapsing disease. We have worked closely with the Bulgarian Association for Patients Living with Obesity and the Bulgarian Association for the Study of Obesity and Related Diseases to educate both healthcare professionals and the general public. Our team members also regularly attend the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) to stay informed on the latest developments in obesity research and treatment.
What is your COM’s approach to patient care? How do you measure patient satisfaction and outcomes?
We follow a patient-centred approach, ensuring that people living with obesity are at the core of our therapeutic pathway. Acknowledging their feelings, challenges, and motivations is a key part of our care model. Obesity is a chronic disease requiring long-term support, so we have implemented a five-year follow-up program to assess patients’ medical and psychological status regularly. This allows us to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Thank you. In terms of staff, how does your COM attract and retain top talent? Do you offer specialised training opportunities to your COM multidisciplinary team?
We attract and retain top professionals by offering teamwork opportunities, modern treatments based on the latest obesity management guidelines, academic development pathways, and competitive salaries. Through various media channels, we also promote awareness about obesity and its treatment and the activities of our team. Team members also have many opportunities to engage with European obesity research and training opportunities. For example, Dr. Peter Ivanov attended the EASO COM Summit in November 2024 in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. As a PhD student with a special interest in body composition and new anthropometric measurements in obesity, he actively contributes to our research and clinical practice. We also strongly encourage our early career team members to engage with the EASO Early Career Network (ECN) to enhance their professional development and build their network within the obesity community.
Does your COM engage with the wider community in obesity awareness, prevention, and treatment?
Yes, we collaborate closely with the Bulgarian Association for Patients Living with Obesity, the Bulgarian Association for the Study of Obesity and Related Diseases, and the Bulgarian Society for Bariatric/ Metabolic Surgery. Through these partnerships, we work to raise awareness, provide support, and promote evidence-based obesity management strategies.
What are the biggest challenges your COM currently faces? What are your main goals for the next 3-5 years?
One of our biggest challenges is that obesity treatments, including medical counselling, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric/metabolic surgery, are not covered by the Bulgarian health system. This makes access to treatment difficult for many patients due to high costs. Additionally, while technology is becoming increasingly important in obesity management, we are still exploring ways to integrate telemedicine and artificial intelligence into our practice. Looking ahead, we aim to establish collaborations with other COMs and institutions across Europe, participate in pan-European scientific projects, and publish research papers to contribute to the field of obesity management.
Thank you to Dr. Konstantin Grozdev, Professor Teodora Handjieva-Darlenska, and the entire team at MBAL “Sveta Sofia” for participating in the Meet the COMs initiative and for their dedication to comprehensive, multidisciplinary obesity care. Despite challenges such as limited health system coverage for obesity treatments, this team is commitment to advancing obesity management through awareness campaigns, professional training, and international collaboration. With a strong focus on expanding research, forging European partnerships, and enhancing patient care, MBAL “Sveta Sofia” continues to improve obesity treatment and advocacy in Bulgaria.
World Obesity Day takes place on Tuesday, March 4
World Obesity Day Europe, held each year to draw attention to Europe’s growing obesity epidemic and the need for better prevention and treatment, will take place on Tuesday, March 4.
The campaign, part of the global World Obesity Day, is an initiative of the European Coalition for People Living with Obesity (ECPO). People from all walks of life will participate to create greater awareness and understanding of obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease.
This year, several associated patient organisations, including those for cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, liver disease, and chronic kidney disease (CKD), will also be taking part to draw attention to obesity as a gateway to those diseases as well as at least 13 types of cancer.
It is estimated that 213 million people in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region are now living with obesity, and a further 255 million are living with overweight. Together, this amounts to more than 66% of the adult population.
Without significant intervention, it is estimated that by 2035, more than 77% of the adult population in the region will be living with overweight or obesity (263 million living with obesity and 246 million living with overweight). Within the umbrella theme, Addressing Obesity Together, participants will organise events ranging from training workshops for patients and healthcare professionals to the launch in several countries of locally translated versions of the best-selling children’s book “Mum, What is Obesity”. The book has already been distributed to several thousand schools.
Other initiatives include free health check-ups, healthy eating advice and open days at hospitals and treatment centres.
“In line with a global World Obesity Day focus on Changing Systems, Healthier Lives, our multidisciplinary group of stakeholders, including patient leaders and advocates across the community of European health professionals, are working to lead policy changes at regional, national and local levels to build the robust support systems for the future,” says ECPO President Diana Castillo.
Among international initiatives taking place on March 4 will be a discussion in the European Parliament in Brussels, Gateway to Better Health: The case for coordinated EU action on obesity. Vicki Mooney and Susie Birney, will be speaking at the event on behalf of ECPO. It is being hosted by MEP Laurent Castillo and organised by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO). Details of the numerous World Obesity Day Europe events will be publicised extensively on social media @ObesityDayEU and #WODEurope. More information is available on the World Obesity Day Europe website: woday.eu.
The ECPO image bank of photographs continues to be expanded and updated in collaboration with more than 30 patient organisations across European countries.
The image bank has been created to help change people’s attitudes to overweight and obesity. It consists of more than 600 professionally taken photographs to support editors in selecting less stigmatising images for online use and in newspapers and magazines.
EASO & WONCA Europe Webinar for Family Doctors and Primary Care Physicians
Mark your calendars for this professional development opportunity
On March 3rd, 2025, the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) and WONCA Europe are joining forces to deliver our annual World Obesity Day webinar, designed especially for family doctors and GPs.
This 90-minute session (5:00-6:30 PM UK / 6:00-7:30 PM CET), will provide crucial insight into the latest developments in obesity management within primary care settings.
This year our webinar features a comprehensive overview of the updated EASO Obesity Diagnostic and Management Framework, an essential tool for providing evidence-based care to patients living with obesity.
Obesity is increasingly recognised as a chronic disease requiring nuanced understanding and multidisciplinary management. Family doctors are often the first point of contact for patients seeking help. This webinar will equip delegates with practical knowledge and tools to better serve patients and improve outcomes.
The session promises to be interactive and focused on real-world applications, helping doctors bridge the gap between clinical guidelines and daily practice.
Registration is now open. Join colleagues across Europe for this important educational event.
Welcome & introduction to World Obesity Day Europe 2025
Dror Dicker, Israel (European Association for the Study of Obesity, EASO), Israel & Ferdinando Petrazzuoli, Italy (World Organization of Family Doctors Europe, WONCA Europe)
18:05-18:20
15 mins
Patient Perspective
Rut Eiriksdóttir, Iceland (European Coalition for People Living with Obesity, ECPO)
18:20-18:40
20 mins
EASO Framework & Clinical Application of the Framework
Dror Dicker, Israel (European Association for the Study of Obesity, EASO)
18:40-19:00
20 mins
WONCA Europe Case Study Discussions
Özden Gökdemir, Türkiye (World Organization of Family Doctors Europe, WONCA Europe)
19:00-19:15
15 mins
Paediatric Perspective
Laura Reali, Italy (European Confederation of Primary Care Paediatricians, ECPCP)
19:15-19:30
15 mins
Q&A and close with key takeaways and next steps
The Pathophysiology of Obesity: new ECN webinar 18th February 2025
Members of the EASO Early Career Network (ECN) are invited to join the next eLearning Hub event titled ‘The Pathophysiology of Obesity’ on Tuesday 18th February 2025,
4-5pm UK / 5-6pm CET
In this session, Dr Alex Miras, Professor of Endocrinology at Ulster University (UK) and member of the NICE obesity management guidelines committee, will present on the pathophysiology of obesity and the fundamentals of obesity as a chronic disease.
Webinar delegates will learn about:
The traditional perception of obesity
The science underpinning the causes of obesity
How to convince sceptics that obesity is a disease
This event will be hosted by EASO ECN board members, who will be ready to answer any questions about the ECN and its activities. If you are an early career student or professional interested in obesity research and not yet a member of the ECN, we encourage you to sign up here before registering for the webinar.
