This supplement of the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders is devoted to the 13th European Congre

Press Notice – for immediate release

13th European Congress on Obesity –

Prague May 26-29 2004

Press conference, Panorama Hall, Prague Congress Centre - May 27th at 11 am (BST) 12 noon (CET)

The ECO Media Centre contact number: +420 2 6117 7032

(activated pm May 26th – contact Ondrej Kotouc - okotouc@seznam.cz )

Media registration forms can be downloaded from:

http://www.eco2004.cz/doc/PressEnglForm.pdf

New research findings and major developments in the field of obesity will be revealed at an international conference of scientists, doctors and health specialists opening in Prague on May 26th.

Phenomenal public awareness and worldwide interest in the topic of obesity means around 2,500 delegates are expected at the 13th European Congress on Obesity – the annual scientific meeting of the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) which attracts experts from all over the world.

Issues range from childhood obesity to developments in east Europe – including Russia – and for the first time physicians and other obesity experts will hold a joint symposium with surgeons specialising in dealing with obese patients. The demand for surgery is increasing as the numbers of morbidly obese continue to grow. A European Symposium organized by the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO) will be held on May 29-30.

Other major developments will include the announcement of new initiatives to tackle the lack of trained doctors to cope with the huge problem of obesity throughout Europe. New guidelines for the management of obesity in adults will be published by EASO’s Obesity Management Task Force. The Specialist Certification of Obesity Professionals in Europe (SCOPE) programme, run jointly by the EASO and the International Obesity TaskForce, will announce its first fellows in the scheme, which aims to enhance the recognition of suitably qualified and experienced specialists with appropriate medical expertise. More fellows are expected to join the scheme in 25 countries across Europe, with training courses and online continuing medical education in obesity for GPs, specialists and health professionals.

Two major publications will be launched during the Congress.

The International Diabetes Federation will present its new Time To Act publication on obesity and diabetes, the result of a joint collaboration with the International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO) and the International Obesity TaskForce (IOTF). [Press launch - May 28 at 1100]

The IOTF will also be launching its new 105 page report to the World Health Organization on the obesity crisis in children worldwide during a special workshop on the prevention of childhood obesity. [Obesity In Children And Young People – A Crisis In Public Health. An IOTF report to WHO. Launch May 28 at 1730]

Key speakers include veteran US research leader Professor Albert (Mickey) Stunkard, who has had special links with the Czech nutrition and obesity research field since the late sixties. Almost 800 abstracts to be presented – more than 100 oral presentations and 670 posters. Round table sessions include a special meeting to focus on the problems of Central and Eastern Europe which has some of the highest rates of overweight and obesity.

A press conference will take place on May 27th at 11 am (Central European Time) at the the Prague Congress Centre. Media representatives wishing to attend or receive further information from the Congress are requested to complete the press registration form, which can be downloaded from:

http://www.eco2004.cz/doc/PressEnglForm.pdf

for return by fax to: +420 2 8400 1448

[Ends]

For further information contact:

Neville Rigby

Director of Policy and Public Affairs

IASO International Obesity TaskForce

231 North Gower Street

London NW1 2NS

Tel +44 20 76911907

Fax +44 20 73876033

Mobile +44 7939250347