A Bariatric Doctor’s Perspective on IFSO/ANZMOSS World Conference 2024
In recent years, the landscape of obesity management has undergone a significant transformation, as evidenced by the latest combined annual world conference of the International Federation For the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) and the Australian and New Zealand Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society (ANZMOSS) held in Melbourne last week. This gathering of well over 1,000 professionals from various disciplines marked a pivotal shift in the approach to treating obesity and metabolic diseases.
Historically, these conferences have focused heavily on the technical aspects of bariatric surgery, delving into the minutiae of surgical procedures. However, this year’s event heralded a refreshing change, placing the spotlight squarely on the lived experiences of medical and bariatric surgery patients. This shift in focus is not merely coincidental but reflects a broader evolution in the field of obesity management.
The past few years have witnessed the emergence of groundbreaking medications that have shown promising outcomes in weight management. These pharmaceutical advancements have effectively bridged the gap between lifestyle interventions and surgical options, offering patients a wider array of treatment choices. This expanded toolkit allows healthcare providers to tailor interventions more precisely to individual patient needs and preferences.
A particularly noteworthy development is the ongoing debate surrounding the classification of obesity itself. The conference delved into the nuanced discussion of whether obesity should be considered a risk factor or a disease, with implications that extend far beyond medical semantics into the realms of personal health and health economics. The consensus emerging from these discussions suggests that obesity may indeed be both a risk factor and a disease, varying from individual to individual. This complex issue is set to be further elucidated in an upcoming publication in The Lancet.
Perhaps the most refreshing and striking aspect of this year’s conference was the amplified voice of patients with lived experience. The powerful testimonies of individuals like Mr Damien Verner (Bariatric Support Australia) and Mr Andrew Wilson (Weight Issues Network) resonated deeply with the assembled healthcare professionals, serving as a poignant reminder of the human element at the core of obesity management. Their stories underscored the importance of creating safe, stigma-free environments where patients can access high-quality, individualised care.
The key takeaway from the conference is clear: while the intricacies of medical, surgical, and allied health interventions remain crucial, the patient must be at the centre of our focus. The field of obesity management is evolving towards a more holistic, patient-centric approach, recognising that treatment should be fluid and adaptable to the changing needs and circumstances of each individual.
As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue to listen to our patients, advocate for their needs, and provide premium quality care to all those living with overweight and obesity, particularly those suffering from related metabolic diseases. The multifaceted nature of obesity management demands a multidisciplinary approach, with each aspect of care delivered by experts working collaboratively as part of a cohesive team.
In conclusion, this year’s IFSO and ANZMOSS conference has set a new standard for patient-centred care in obesity management. By amplifying patient voices and embracing a more comprehensive approach to treatment, we are paving the way for more effective, compassionate, and individualised care for those living with obesity and metabolic disorders.
Dr Paige Lanyon-Roberts
Bariatric Doctor and General Practitioner
FRACGP, MBBS, BSc
MedSurg Weight Loss – Brisbane Metabolic and Weight Loss Clinic
