EASO was delighted to participate in the 16th Latin American Congress on Obesity (FLASO 2026), held in Salvador, Brazil, from 28–31 October 2026. Bringing together leading researchers, clinicians and healthcare professionals from Latin America and beyond, the Congress provided an important opportunity to exchange scientific knowledge, share clinical experience and strengthen international collaboration across obesity research and management.
A highlight of the congress was the joint EASO–FLASO symposium, featuring EASO President Professor Volkan Yumuk, who addressed obesity management in older adults, and Professor Luca Busetto, who presented and discussed current frameworks for obesity definition, diagnosis and management.
The session, moderated by FLASO President Dr Fábio Trujilho, also featured Dr Cynthia Valério, who explored obesity management and cardiovascular disease prevention from Brazilian and Latin American perspectives.EASO colleague and Past President Professor Jason Halford also contributed to the scientific programme, discussing the impact of weight stigma on mental health and the role of compassion, mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy in obesity management.
Professor Gema Frühbeck contributed to the session Combined therapies: rationale, evidence and limitations — part of a session exploring new directions in clinical obesityresearch, and to a session focused on diagnostic challenges in obesity among older adults
The FLASO Congress highlighted the importance of evidence-based, person-centred obesity care, recognising obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease and the need to improve access to effective, long-term obesity management.
Our thanks to FLASO, ABESO and our Brazilian and Latin American colleagues for their warm welcome and for fostering valuable scientific exchange across continents. Learn more: https://flaso2026.com/
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