Meet the Adult COMs – MBAL, Sveta Sofia, Bulgaria

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.

Download the Press Release PDF

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.

Secure your place by registering using this link , and download a PDF of the program.

Speaker & chair list:

• Dror Dicker, Israel (European Association for the Study of Obesity, EASO)
• Ferdinando Petrazzuoli, Italy (World Organization of Family Doctors Europe, WONCA Europe)
• Rut Eiriksdóttir, Iceland (European Coalition for People Living with Obesity, ECPO)
• Özden Gökdemir, Türkiye (World Organization of Family Doctors Europe, WONCA Europe)
• Laura Reali, Italy (European Confederation of Primary Care Paediatricians, ECPCP)
• Andreea Ciudin, Spain (European Association for the Study of Obesity, EASO)

Programme:

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.

Registration is now open for this online event – sign up now using this link.

Managing Obesity-Related Skin Conditions: Dermatological Insights and Interdisciplinary Strategies – Tuesday 29th October

Join the next EASO COMs network webinar, “Dermatological Considerations in Obesity Treatment” on Tuesday 29th October 2024 at 11:30am-12:30pm UK / 12:30-1:30 pm Paris.

This webinar will focus on dermatological considerations important for the effective management of obesity. This session will provide an overview of common conditions associated with obesity, such as psoriasis, and examine the underlying mechanisms linking obesity to these dermatological challenges. Preventive strategies to reduce the onset or worsening of skin conditions in people with obesity will be discussed, alongside the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration between obesity specialists.

Dr Barbara McGowan, Co-Chair of the EASO Obesity Management Working Group, will host this webinar. Attendees are encouraged to actively participate in the webinar Q&A.

Schedule (Paris):

• 12:30-12:35 pm: Welcome and introduction
• 12:35-12:40 pm: Patient Perspective on Living with a Skin Condition – Ms Mari-Mette Graff (ECPO Patient Advocate and Deputy Chair of the Norsk lymfødem og lipødemforbund, the Norwegian Lymphedema and Lipedema Association)
• 12:40-1:00 pm: Recognising Dermatological Challenges in Obesity – Professor Teodora Handjieva-Darlenska (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria and President of the Bulgarian Association for the Study of Obesity and Related Diseases)
• 1:00-1:20 pm: Integrated Management of the Endocrinologist and Nutritionist: Clinical and Medical Management of VLCKD in Patients with Psoriasis and Obesity – Dr Ludovica Verde (Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II and team member of EASO-accredited COM C.I.B.O. Obesity Center – Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria – Policlinico Federico II, Italy)
• 1:20-1:30 pm: Q&A between speakers and audience, close

Register for this EASO COMs webinar using this registration link.

33-ият конгрес на Европейската група по детско затлъстяване ще се проведе от 8 до 10 октомври 2024 в Гент, Белгия.

We extend a warm invitation to the upcoming ECOG 2024 congress, scheduled for October 8-9-10, 2024. This congress will be hosted in the historic city of Ghent, in Belgium.
The program will be thoughtfully designed to delve into a wide array of fresh insights pertaining to our collective mission of guiding children and adolescents with obesity, alongside their families, toward sustainable weight management or averting the development of chronic weight issues among the youth.

Drawing from Ghent University’s rich tradition of embracing a multidisciplinary approach to childhood obesity, and building upon the wisdom gleaned from experts across various fields, our scientific committee is crafting an engaging program to share with all of you.

In response to the overarching question, „Can we do more?“ we have allocated a significant portion of
the program to encompass lectures, workshops, and skill-building sessions, all centred around critical aspects of best practices within our domain. This includes exploring questions such as: What constitutes healthy dietary habits, and how can we instil a wholesome lifestyle in families, children, and older adolescents? What is the latest knowledge on shifting sedentary habits toward sustainable and increased physical activities for this demographic? What unique roles do pediatricians and psychologists play in this context?

Furthermore, our program also dedicates space to the examination of novel policies and preventive measures from different countries, taking into account the perspective of the World Health Organization (WHO). We will also delve into additional interventions, such as AOM, designed for individuals grappling with severe obesity when lifestyle modifications alone prove insufficient. The Bijloke conference venue is onveniently located near the picturesque ‘Leie’ river, just a 15-minute journey from the local train station or the enchanting old city. Hotel Opera can be reached with a brief 10-minute walk, while Hotel Cathedral is a 25-minute stroll away, or you can opt for Tram 1. Ghent enjoys excellent accessibility by train, being only 30 minutes away from Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp.

We wholeheartedly invite professionals from all walks of life who are passionate about addressing CHILDHOOD OBESITY, regardless of their career stage, to join us at the ECOG 2024 conference and consider submitting an abstract.

For more information HERE.

Prof. Dr. Caroline Braet Prof. Dr. David Thivel
Chair of the Organizing Committee President of ECOG

Новини от 31-ия Европейския конгрес по затлъстяване, който се проведе от 12-15 май във Венеция, Италия

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the entire EASO team, I want to express our gratitude and thanks for your participation in and contributions to the 2024 European Congress on Obesity in Venice. This year ECO saw a record 3000 delegates join us from 103 countries. We owe the success of the European Congress on Obesity to you.

Thank you to our faculty and speakers, our sponsors and supporters, our fantastic local hosts, organising teams and congress managers, our early career network and our colleagues across the European patient community. Your knowledge, experience, and passion for understanding obesity and improving obesity care have significantly impacted our work. The community benefited from the exceptional scientific program and engaging teaching workshops in the collaborative and welcoming environment that greeted us in Venice.

We would like to extend a special thank you to our gracious Italian hosts Società Italiana ‘Obesità (SIO Italia), and patient organisations ECPO, La Mattina Dopo and Amici Obesi whose work was instrumental in creating a truly memorable congress.

As I undertake my role as president of EASO, I want to reaffirm our focus in the coming years on capacity building across the society, including within our national membership associations and Collaborating Centers for Obesity Management, across our Early Career Network, and through collaboration and engagement with sister societies and related disease areas across the NCD community.

Thinking ahead, initial preparations for the 2025 European Congress on Obesity in Malaga Spain are already underway. Beyond stunning beaches and sunshine, Malaga boasts a walkable city center replete with historical and cultural sites, excellent conference facilities and a vibrant scientific and medical community. We look forward to welcoming you next May!

With best wishes,

Volkan

Volkan Yumuk, MD

President, EASO