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The 5th International Conference on “The Obesity Pandemic – Consequences and Possible Solutions” was held at Texila American University campus, Providence, EBD on November 28-29, 2024. This pivotal event gathered healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to address the pressing global issue of obesity, its health implications, and viable solutions.
The conference spanned two days and included a variety of activities such as keynote speeches, panel discussions, and poster presentations. It served as a vital platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration among experts in the field.
On the first day of the conference, the inauguration was marked by a formal opening ceremony led by Mrs. Chithra Lakshmi, Pro-Chancellor of the University. Her participation highlighted the event’s significance, establishing a foundation of academic excellence and collaboration. The inaugural address was delivered by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Narine Singh, representing Hon. Dr. Frank C.S. Anthony, Minister of Health of Guyana. This moment was pivotal, reflecting Dr. Singh’s extensive experience and addressing the current health priorities relevant to Guyana and the international community.
Following this, Dr Dheeraj Bansal, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of the College of Medicine at Texila American University delivered a welcome address, emphasizing the urgency of addressing obesity as a significant public health concern. Following this, attendees engaged in a poster presentations activity, showcasing innovative research by the students’ discussing strategies in obesity management. In the afternoon, the focus shifted to the Scientific Session on Obesity Associated Diseases. A series of keynote speakers, including Dr. Shanti Singh Anthony, provided valuable insights into the health risks associated with obesity. Dr. Anthony highlighted the connections between obesity and various serious health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, sleep apnea, joint disorders, and several types of cancer. Her expertise in public health and extensive experience in managing health programs underscore the urgency of addressing obesity as a critical public health issue. This segment was followed by a dynamic panel discussion, allowing for an interactive exchange of ideas between the experts and the audience.
The second day commenced with a scientific session focused on the intersection of obesity and mental health. Keynote speakers included Dr. Svetlana Famina from the United States, Dr. Albert Persaud from the United Kingdom, Dr. Davendranand Sharma from Grenada and Dr Andria Veeren from Guyana, who collectively provided insights into the psychological impacts of obesity. Their presentations addressed critical issues such as stigma and the prevalence of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and low self-esteem, experienced by individuals affected by obesity. This was complemented by a panel discussion that delved deeper into these issues. Following this session, another poster presentation activity provided further opportunities for researchers to show case their work. The afternoon scientific session focused on Recent Advances in Obesity Management, featuring distinguished speakers including Dr. Rajesh Kapoor and Dr. Rahul Bansal from India, as well as Dr. Vedika Latchmi Panday from Guyana. Their discussions emphasized the latest developments in surgical techniques, pharmacological treatments, and lifestyle interventions designed to address obesity effectively. The day concluded with a panel discussion that explored emerging trends in obesity treatment, providing a comprehensive overview of contemporary approaches in the field. The 5th International Conference represented a critical step in the global fight against obesity. By bringing together experts globally from diverse fields, it facilitated comprehensive discussions on both the medical and psychological impacts of obesity. The event underscored the importance of ongoing research and collaboration in developing effective strategies to combat this escalating public health crisis. There was a call out to develop strategies at the family and community levels to combat this pandemic. There was also a felt need to have timely and effective policies from the government to support such efforts. In general, this conference not only addressed immediate concerns related to obesity but also aimed to foster long-term solutions through shared knowledge and innovative practices among healthcare professionals worldwide.
