Shaping Smarter Strategies for
Obesity Care
05 June, 2025
|Park Royal Darling Harbour, Sydney Australia
Agenda Day 1
Morning Session
8:55 am - 9:00 am
Chair’s Opening remarks
Jacqui Lewis -
Co-founder, BN Healthy,
Australia Weight Loss Surgery Podcast
8:45 am - 8:50 am
Event Director’s Welcome Address
9:00 am - 9:30 am
Keynote Debate | Shifting the Scale: A New Era in Obesity and Metabolic Health
Emma Rawson -
President,
World Federation of Public Health Associations
Dr Alex Craven - Obesity Treatment Advocate, Austin Health
Dr Mais Hussein - Medical Director, Alora Health
This keynote panel brings together leading voices to discuss transformative advancements in obesity and metabolic health. Delve into the latest treatment innovations, policy shifts, and the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in driving sustainable change. With a focus on real-world impact, this debate sets the stage for redefining obesity care, addressing systemic barriers, and improving outcomes across Australia and New Zealand. Join us as we chart a bold path for the future of metabolic health.
9:30 am - 10:00 am
Panel Debate | Bridging the Gap: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Obesity Management in Clinical Practice
Dr Mark Magdy -
Bariatric & Gastrointestinal Surgeon,
St George Private Hospital
Dr David Martin - Chairman, Sydney Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical Society
This dynamic panel discussion highlights the importance of integrating diverse expertise across endocrinology, bariatric surgery, primary care, and beyond. Explore how collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches can deliver holistic care tailored to individual patient needs. Panellists will examine case studies, share best practices, and discuss strategies to overcome challenges in coordination and communication between disciplines. Gain actionable insights into creating a unified framework for effective obesity management and improved long-term patient outcomes.
10:00 am - 10:30 am
The Triple Threat – Addressing Obesity, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease Together
Dr Faraz Pathan -
Director of Cardiovascular Imaging and Heart Research- Department of Cardiology,
Nepean Hospital
This session explores the intricate interplay between obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, often referred to as the "triple threat." Gain insights into comprehensive management strategies for patients presenting with these interconnected conditions. Experts will discuss the latest evidence-based approaches, treatment innovations, and the role of personalised care in mitigating risks and improving patient outcomes. Discover how integrated interventions can effectively target these complex health challenges to drive better metabolic health results.
Dr Faraz Pathan
Director of Cardiovascular Imaging and Heart Research- Department of CardiologyNepean Hospital
10:30 am - 10:50 am
Speed Networking - Quick Chats, Lasting Connections
10:50 am - 11:20 am
Morning Break - Brew, Bite, and Brainstorm
Join us for an exciting Interactive Discussion Group (IDG) session where you'll collaborate with fellow government leaders to tackle real challenges head-on. Gain fresh perspectives, share insights, and leave with actionable strategies that can transform your agency’s approach to AI.
Each round will last 30 minutes, giving you the chance to rotate and discuss three topics.
Interactive Discussion Groups
11:20 am - 1:00 pm
IDG A: Keeping Patients on Track – Strategies for Improving Patient Adherence in Obesity Programs
11:20 am - 1:00 pm
IDG B: Mind Over Matter – Integrating Mental Health Support in Obesity Care
11:20 am - 1:00 pm
IDG C: The Power of Wearables – Optimizing the Use of Wearables for Continuous Patient Engagement
11:20 am - 1:00 pm
IDG D: Obesity Care at Your Fingertips – Best Practices in Telehealth and Remote Monitorin
11:20 am - 1:00 pm
DG E: Early Warnings – Using Predictive Analytics to Drive Obesity Prevention
11:20 am - 1:00 pm
IDG F: New Drug Frontiers – Challenges and Opportunities with New Therapies in Obesity Care
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Lunch Break - Savor, Share, and Socialise
Track Breakout Sessions
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm
Case Study | Personalised Pathways – Tailoring Care Programs for Better Patient Outcomes
Christopher O'Donnell -
Founder and CEO,
My Weight Loss Clinic
This case study delves into the power of personalised, data-driven care plans designed to meet the unique needs of each patient. Learn how leveraging patient data and behavioural insights can drive better adherence, enhance outcomes, and foster long-term success in obesity and metabolic health management. Discover practical strategies for designing customised treatment pathways, and gain actionable takeaways to implement tailored approaches that address the diverse challenges faced by individual patients.
2:20 pm - 2:50 pm
Panel Discussion | Personalised Nutrition in Obesity Care: The Role of Nutritionists in Tailored Treatment Plans
Dr Jane Franklin -
Senior Clinical Dietician,
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Jodie Hicks - Bariatric Dietitian, East Sydney Private Hospital & Integrated Health Institute
Jodie Hicks - Bariatric Dietitian, East Sydney Private Hospital & Integrated Health Institute
This session will explore the role of nutritionists in personalised obesity care, highlighting how tailored dietary strategies can be developed based on metabolic profiles. It will cover the importance of medical nutrition therapy in obesity management, integrating nutrition counselling into multidisciplinary treatment teams, and the latest evidence on effective diets such as low-carb, intermittent fasting, and Mediterranean diets for improving metabolic health. The session will also address challenges related to patient adherence and strategies for encouraging behavioural change.
2:50 pm - 3:10 pm
Case Study | Patient Empowerment in Action – The Future of Patient-Centered Care in Obesity Management
Dr Catherine Bacus -
Bariatric GP and Director,
Alevia Medical Weight Loss
This case study highlights the transformative impact of patient-centred care models in obesity management. Explore innovative, engagement-focused approaches that prioritise patient empowerment, from shared decision-making to tailored support programmes. Gain actionable insights into fostering active patient participation, enhancing adherence, and achieving better outcomes. Learn how to design care pathways that put patients at the heart of their treatment journey, paving the way for a future of more effective and sustainable obesity care.
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm
Case Study Hormonal and Metabolic Considerations in Adolescent Obesity Care
Dr Gary Leong -
Senior Staff Specialist in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes,
NSW Health
This session examines the unique hormonal and metabolic factors influencing obesity in adolescents. Explore how puberty-related hormonal changes, insulin resistance, and metabolic adaptations contribute to the development and progression of obesity during this critical life stage. Experts will discuss evidence-based strategies for tailoring interventions to address these complexities, ensuring effective and age-appropriate care. Gain valuable insights into optimising treatment outcomes for adolescents through a deeper understanding of their distinct physiological and metabolic needs.
2:20 pm - 2:50 pm
Case Study | Women’s Health and Obesity: Managing Weight Across Reproduction
This case study provides clinical insights into the nuanced management of obesity during fertility treatments, pregnancy, and postpartum care. Explore strategies to minimise risks and improve health outcomes for both mother and child by addressing hormonal, metabolic, and physical changes throughout the reproductive journey. Learn how personalised care plans can support women in navigating these critical stages, optimising maternal and child health while ensuring sustainable weight management practices.
2:50 pm - 3:10 pm
Panel Debate | Aging and Obesity: Tackling the Challenges of Geriatric Weight Management
This panel debate addresses the unique challenges of managing obesity in older adults, where treatment must account for age-related comorbidities such as osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and cardiovascular risks. Experts will explore the complexities of balancing interventions with the physical and metabolic changes that come with ageing. Gain practical guidelines for designing safe and effective obesity management strategies tailored to geriatric patients, ensuring improved quality of life and minimised health risks in this growing population.
3:10 pm - 3:30 pm
Innovation Showcase: Demo Drive for the Future of Obesity Care
Engage with technology demos, explore transformative products, and discover how these innovations can enhance patient care and streamline healthcare delivery across ANZ.
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Afternoon Break – Recharge and Reconnect
Afternoon Sessions
3:50 pm - 4:10 pm
Industry Case Study | Data as a Compass: Predicting and Shaping Future Health Outcomes in Obesity
Andrea Jasper -
Executive Director,
Impact Obesity
Kathryn Barnette - Digital Product Manager, Impact Obesity
This industry case study examines how predictive analytics and data forecasting are revolutionising obesity care. Learn how advanced data models can identify emerging trends, assess patient risks, and personalise treatment plans for optimal outcomes. Discover how leveraging data can anticipate patient needs, optimise resource allocation, and guide interventions tailored to individual metabolic health. This session offers actionable insights into using data-driven approaches to improve long-term patient care and drive more effective, proactive obesity management strategies.
4:10 pm - 4:40 pm
Panel Discussion | Advancing Obesity Diagnosis and Management: The Role of Imaging and Radiology
This session will explore how radiologists and imaging specialists contribute to the early detection, assessment, and ongoing management of obesity and metabolic disorders. Experts from leading providers like Sonic and iMed will discuss the latest advancements in imaging technologies, including MRI, CT, and ultrasound, for evaluating visceral fat, liver health, and obesity-related complications. The session will also cover the role of radiology in guiding treatment decisions, improving patient pathways, and integrating imaging insights into multidisciplinary care approaches.
4:40 pm - 5:10 pm
Regulatory Update What’s Next? – Navigating the Future Regulatory Landscape for Obesity and Metabolic Health
Judy Nean -
Senior Director of Health Promotion,
Health and Well Being QLD
Penny Shakespeare - Deputy Secretary of Health Resourcing, Australian Department of Health
This session offers valuable insights into the evolving regulatory landscape for obesity and metabolic health. Experts will discuss upcoming regulatory changes and their potential impact on innovation, treatment accessibility, and patient care. Learn how new policies and guidelines may shape the future of obesity care, from treatment approvals to reimbursement strategies. Stay informed about the regulatory trends that could drive or hinder progress in the field, and gain actionable advice for adapting to these shifts in the healthcare environment.
5:10 pm - 5:15 pm
Chair's Closing Remarks
Jacqui Lewis -
Co-founder, BN Healthy,
Australia Weight Loss Surgery Podcast
5:15 pm - 5:15 pm
Networking Reception - Conversations over Cocktails
It's more than drinks— it’s about sparking new ideas, exchanging insights, and building vibrant professional connections in a lively, fun-filled atmosphere!
