PNN
New Delhi [India], May 2: IJCP Group, a leading integrated healthcare communications company, in association with the South Asian Obesity Forum (SOF), successfully concluded OBESITAS 2026, a high-impact scientific conference focused on addressing the growing clinical and public health challenge of obesity in India.
Bringing together over 500 doctors and 150 nutritionists, alongside international faculty, the conference highlighted the urgent need to reposition obesity as a chronic, complex disease that is closely linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, and hormonal disorders. With rising prevalence across age groups, experts pointed to the need for early intervention and structured, multidisciplinary care, particularly in the context of World Health Day, which places renewed focus on non-communicable diseases.
Held under the theme 'Obesity Awareness, Advocacy, Action', the conference was led by an eminent organising team comprising Dr Sanjay Kalra, Dr Saptarshi Bhattacharya, Prof Nitin Kapoor, Prof Nishant Raizada, and Dr Dina Shrestha, bringing together expertise across endocrinology, metabolic medicine, and clinical nutrition.
The scientific programme reflected the evolving landscape of obesity care, with discussions spanning GLP-1 receptor agonists, dual incretin therapies such as tirzepatide, pharmacosimilars, and medical nutrition therapy, alongside broader themes including diabesity, sarcopenic obesity, hepatic health, women's health, and technology-assisted care.
With the semaglutide patent expiry and the entry of multiple branded generics by Indian companies, the conference highlighted the importance of equipping clinicians with the right knowledge to ensure appropriate, evidence-based use of emerging therapies in real-world practice.
Dr Sanjay Kalra, Organising Committee, OBESITAS 2026, said, "We are at a tipping point. Obesity is now driving a large part of India's diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic burden, yet it continues to be under-treated. The real shift is moving from advice to active, structured treatment using the full range of clinical tools now available."
Dr Saptarshi Bhattacharya, Organising Committee, added, "What we are seeing today is a transition in care. Obesity management is becoming more precise, more personalised, and more integrated, with nutrition, behaviour, and newer therapies working together rather than in isolation."
Nilesh Aggarwal, CEO, IJCP Group, said, "At IJCP, our focus has been on strengthening medical education and ensuring that clinicians have access to the latest evidence in a practical, usable format. OBESITAS is an extension of that effort, bringing together science, clinical experience, and real-world discussions to support better decision-making in obesity care."
Prof Nitin Kapoor, Organising Committee, added, "India presents a unique metabolic profile, and managing obesity here requires a coordinated approach that combines endocrinology, nutrition, and long-term follow-up. Building that framework is critical to improving outcomes."
A key highlight of the conference was the national launch of the Thyroid Federation of India, an affiliate of the Thyroid Federation International. With an estimated 42 million Indians living with thyroid disorders and a strong clinical overlap with obesity, the initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening patient advocacy and coordinated care.
The conference also placed strong emphasis on inclusive and multidisciplinary learning. A two-hour Hindi session titled 'Metabolic Mahamanthan', focused on diabetes and obesity, was introduced for the first time at a national conference, expanding access to clinical knowledge for a wider practitioner base. In addition, an Indo-Bhutan Nursing Advisory Board session highlighted the critical role of nursing professionals in obesity care and patient management.
A dedicated Nutrition Symposium in collaboration with IAPEN India brought clinicians and dietitians together to focus on medical nutrition therapy and integrated care approaches, reflecting the growing importance of aligning nutrition with clinical treatment.
Dedicated symposia examined the evolving landscape of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy, including GLP-1 therapies and next-generation agents, alongside discussions on accessibility and real-world application. Phase 3 clinical data for semaglutide biosimilars were also presented, highlighting the increasing focus on expanding treatment options.
The conference also marked the release of a Textbook of Obesity, contributing to the growing body of clinical knowledge in this field.
Foreword by Prof Hiroshi Arima, Japan, President-Elect, International Society of Endocrinology, Prof Jonathan Purnell, USA, Vice President, The Obesity Society
Authored and edited by leading experts from 30+ countries, it offers a truly global perspective on a global disease. The twenty-chapter book, structured into five sections, covers evaluation, non-pharmacological management, drug therapy, specific challenges, and practical aspects of obesity care. The authors and section editors weave the science and art of weight management into a beautiful, easily understandable tapestry of information, knowledge, and advice.
Editors: Dr Sanjay Kalra, Consultant, Bharti Hospital, Karnal, India Treasurer, International Society of Endocrinology (ISE) Vice President, South Asian Obesity Forum (SOF)
Dr Nitin Kapoor, Professor and Head (Unit 1) Dept. of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India Secretary, South Asian Obesity Forum (SOF)
Associate Editors: Dr Sarita Bajaj, Founder President, South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies, Prayagraj (India); Dr Dina Shrestha, Department of Endocrinology, Norvic Hospital, Kathmandu (Nepal), Dr Gagan Priya, Department of Endocrinology, Fortis Hospital, Mohali (India)
Section Editors: Dr Saptarshi Bhattacharya (India), Dr Jeremy Robles (Philippines) Dr Rakesh Sahay (India), Dr Ketut Suastika (Indonesia) Dr Atul Dhingra (India), Dr Jubbin J Jacob (Qatar) Dr Mayur Agarwal (India), Dr Faria Afsana (Bangladesh) Dr Amandeep Singh (India), Dr Jeyakantha Ratnasingam (Malaysia)
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