We are pleased to have recently co-hosted the EASO, ÖAG and PCDE Joint Masterclass, held on 3-4 March 2026, to mark World Obesity Day Europe in Vienna, Austria. The Masterclass brought together primary care physicians, general practitioners and healthcare professionals working in primary care to strengthen practical skills in the diagnosis, staging and management of obesity.
Across two days, delegates developed their understanding of obesity as a chronic disease and built skills in assessing patients, initiating conversations about obesity, and navigating treatment pathways within primary care. Through expert lectures, workshops and case discussions, participants explored the vital role of primary care in coordinating multidisciplinary, person-centred obesity management.
Patient Perspectives and Person-Centred Care
The European Coalition for People living with Obesity (ECPO) launched the Masterclass by highlighting how recognising obesity as a complex chronic disease is essential for improving patient experiences of care and reducing stigma. This was followed by a practical communication workshop, which focused on initiating conversations about obesity in clinical practice. Key takeaways included:
- The importance of respectful, non-stigmatising language and strong therapeutic alliances
- Asking permission before discussing weight and creating space for patients to share their experiences
- Recognising how stigma and previous healthcare encounters can influence patient engagement
Strengthening Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
Throughout the two-day programme, delegates increased understanding of obesity biology and clinical assessment, including the pathophysiology of obesity, the complexity of energy regulation and practical approaches to screening, diagnosis and staging in primary care.
Expert speakers discussed:
- Recognising obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease
- Conducting more structured clinical assessments, including evaluation of comorbidities
- Moving beyond BMI alone to consider the broader clinical picture
Lifestyle, Long-Term Management and Multidisciplinary Care
Delegates explored how non-pharmacological strategies support long-term health improvements as part of comprehensive obesity management, including the role of physical activity and exercise prescriptions following bariatric surgery. Speakers highlighted how the food environment and wider social context shape the lives of individuals, encouraging clinicians to recognise these strong social, political and built-environmental influences when supporting patients. Psychological and behavioural factors affecting long-term health outcomes were also explored, alongside the importance of coordinated multidisciplinary care pathways. Together, these discussions reinforced the role of primary care in supporting continuity of care and coordinating long-term obesity management.
Pharmacotherapy and Treatment Pathways
The Masterclass programme highlighted the rapidly evolving field of obesity pharmacotherapy, including the neuro-hormonal mechanisms involved in energy homeostasis and how advances in obesity biology are informing new treatments. Practical insights were shared on incretin-based therapies and the UK tirzepatide rollout, illustrating how emerging treatments are being integrated into clinical pathways.
The EASO Algorithm for the Pharmacological Treatment of Obesity and its Complications was highlighted as a practical clinical tool, supporting personalised obesity medication management by aligning individual patient profiles and obesity-related complications with the evidence-based effects of available therapies.
Case-Based Learning and Peer Exchange
Clinical cases presented by delegates formed an important part of the Masterclass. Through open discussion with faculty and peers, delegates explored diagnostic challenges, treatment decisions and practical barriers to obesity care across different European healthcare systems, exchanging clinical insight and advice.
These sessions created valuable opportunities for peer learning and reflection on real-world clinical practice, and gave delegates the opportunity to receive feedback on their clinical approaches from a multidisciplinary audience to support enhanced patient care.
Translating Learning into Clinical Practice
A key outcome of the Masterclass was the opportunity for delegates to reflect on how the learning could translate into their own clinical practice. Participants highlighted plans to:
- Adopt more structured approaches to screening and staging obesity
- Initiate conversations about obesity more confidently and sensitively
- Consider a wider range of treatment options, including pharmacotherapy and referral pathways
- Strengthen collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
On behalf of the EASO President, Professor Volkan Yumuk, and the Masterclass faculty, we thank all speakers and participants for their valuable contributions and engagement in advancing obesity care across Europe.
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