Treating Obesity to Extend Human HealthSpan: Evidence, Opportunities and Challenges

Obesity is closely linked to a range of chronic health conditions and can affect quality of life, wellbeing and healthy ageing. As new approaches to obesity treatment continue to develop, there are growing opportunities to improve health outcomes and extend the number of years people can live in good health.

Join leading researchers, clinicians and health experts for an evening exploring the latest evidence on obesity treatment, including GLP-1 and other incretin-based therapies, and insights from the landmark TREx study.

The discussion will consider what we are learning about weight management, nutrition, sleep health, treatment side effects and patient experiences, as well as the broader opportunities and challenges of treating obesity. Speakers will also explore what these developments could mean for preventing chronic disease, improving quality of life and supporting healthier ageing.

Speakers:

Professor Tim Cable

Professor Tim Cable completed his PhD in Exercise, Ageing and Thermoregulation at the University of Western Australia and went on to establish a career in academic leadership at Liverpool John Moores University, where he built a world-leading team of sport and exercise scientist. After a sojourn leading an integrated sports science programme in a high-performance institute in the Qatar, Tim returned to the UK as Head of the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham and more latterly the Director of the Institute of Sport at Manchester Metropolitan University. The Institute of Sport conducts cross-cutting interdisciplinary research to enhance performance and improve health outcomes of the population. Tim leads the Manchester Metropolitan University-Nuffield Health partnership which is bringing new direction to the use of movement in patients with long-term conditions. During his career he has published widely in sport, exercise and health sciences with over 230 papers at an H-index of 59. He has successfully mentored 50 PhD candidates and procured more than £10m of research income. In recognition of this impact, he has served as President of the European College of Sport Science.

Professor Danny Green

Danny, a Winthrop Professor at The University of Western Australia, is a cardiovascular and exercise physiologist specializing in chronic disease prevention. His research spans all ages, from preventing atherosclerosis in obese youth to optimizing exercise and medication for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and heart failure. He leads UWA’s Cardiovascular Research Group, which develops early disease detection and personalized prevention strategies through collaborations between scientists, engineers, and medics. He is Foundation Director of the HealthSpan Institute, a flagship UWA initiative delivering services to the WA community that enhance their health and well-being, by integrating evidence-based research, and teaching practitioner and researcher training through student-led preventative health services.

Dr Elena George

Dr Elena George is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian and Course Director of the Master of Dietetics at Deakin University. Ranked among the top 0.3% of diet researchers globally, her work focuses on cardio-metabolic diseases, fatty liver disease, GLP-1 therapies and translating nutrition science into practical strategies for chronic disease prevention and management.

Associate Professor Jen Walsh

A/Prof Jen Walsh is the Director of the Centre for Sleep Science at The University of Western Australia. As a physiologist and clinical trialist, her work focuses on investigating the causes of and treatments for sleep disorders including obstructive sleep apnoea and insomnia. She is particularly interested in investigating novel device and pharmacological therapies for these disorders. Jen is also passionate about providing evidence-based sleep education to health professionals and the public.

Dr Gerry Fegan

Dr P. Gerry Fegan is Head of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospitals and Associate Professor at Curtin Medical School. As a clinician, he is active in medical leadership, clinical research, quality improvement, teaching, and innovative service delivery. His research interests include cardiometabolic disease with a focus on improving risk stratification, multidisciplinary care, and evidence-based practice.

Professor Leanne Lester

Professor Leanne Lester is a researcher and evaluation specialist at the Centre for Social Impact at The University of Western Australia, with a background in epidemiology and biostatistics and more than 25 years’ experience in research and evaluation. Her work focuses on mental health and wellbeing, prevention, social impact and the evaluation of complex health and social interventions. She has particular expertise in mixed-methods research, longitudinal studies, evaluation design and outcomes measurement, and works extensively with government, community and research partners to translate evidence into policy and practice.

Join us for an evening conversation exploring the evidence, opportunities and challenges surrounding GLP-1 therapies and their potential role in extending healthy years of life.

Featuring experts from University of Western Australia • Manchester Metropolitan University • Deakin University • Curtin Medical School • Fiona Stanley & Fremantle Hospitals