EASO was pleased to represent Europe at the International Congress on Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (ICOMES 2025), hosted by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity (KSSO) in Seoul from 4-6 September. Held under the theme “Lifelong Journey for Fighting Obesity: From Cradle to Grave”, the congress highlighted the importance of addressing obesity as a chronic, multifactorial disease across the life course.
The scientific programme brought together international experts to share new research and perspectives on adult and childhood obesity, metabolic and mental health, nutrition and physical activity, metabolic surgery, pharmacotherapy, digital health, and big data. This year also marked the 10th anniversary of the KSSO Obesity Fact Sheet, a milestone in advancing evidence-based policy and clinical guidance in Korea.
EASO President Professor Volkan Yumuk and President-Elect Professor Jennifer Baker represented EASO in a joint KSSO-EASO symposium. Co-chaired by Professor Chang Beom Lee (Hanyang University, Korea) and Professor Yumuk (Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Türkiye), the session focused on advances in pharmacological and individualised approaches to obesity care.
The programme featured:
- The EASO Pharmacological Algorithm for the Treatment of Obesity and Its Complications – Professor Jennifer Baker (University of Copenhagen, Denmark) presented the EASO Algorithm and its clinical application.
- The Role of Semaglutide 2.4mg: Modification of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in People with Obesity – Dr Kees Hovingh (Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark) discussed cardiometabolic outcomes linked to treatment.
- Rethinking One-Size-Fits-All: Evidence of Racial Differences in GLP-1 RA Efficacy – Dr Yu Mi Kang (Harvard Medical School, USA) shared research on population-level differences in treatment response.
EASO shared information about the upcoming European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 12-15th May 2026, and we look forward to seeing KSSO members and other ICOMES delegates there.
EASO thanks the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity (KSSO) for hosting an excellent meeting and for their warm hospitality in Seoul. We look forward to continued collaboration in advancing global obesity research and care.
Images: EASO and KSSO team at ICOMES 2025