We are pleased to connect with Professor David Jacobi, lead of the Adult COM Centre Spécialisé de l’Obésité Ouest Atlantique, located in Nantes, western France, near the Atlantic coast. Professor Jacobi leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering a holistic, patient-centred approach to obesity management that recognises the complexity of obesity as a chronic disease influenced by a variety of biological, psychological, and social factors. This COM team believes that effective obesity management requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary strategy tailored to the unique needs of each patient. We are excited to learn more about Professor Jacobi’s team and their work.
Welcome, Professor Jacobi! Could you please start by telling us about the recent achievements and projects your COM has been involved in?
In the past year, our center has made significant progress, particularly in research exploring the relationship between biological rhythms and obesity. One key project is a cohort study of patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, examining how daily rhythms affect post-surgery health outcomes. We are also about to begin a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of time-restricted eating on ectopic fat accumulation in individuals with obesity.
Additionally, we are actively involved in a national academic project that seeks to enhance nutritional assessments for pregnant women who have had bariatric surgery—an essential step in improving care for this vulnerable group. Our participation in several large-scale industrial RCTs on obesity management medications has also positioned us at the forefront of clinical innovation. Our research is strengthened by our collaboration with l’Institut du thorax in Nantes, which provides us with cardiometabolic expertise, allowing us to better understand the cardiovascular risks associated with obesity.
We are proud to collaborate with the FORCE Obesity Research Network, which is part of the French Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (F-CRIN). This national network brings together experts in obesity, nutrition, and metabolic disorders to enhance research across France and internationally. As a member of the managerial board of FORCE, I am actively involved in shaping research efforts and supporting large-scale clinical trials. This collaboration allows us to participate in broader initiatives, including multi-center trials, which significantly extend the impact of our work.
That sounds like a very busy and fruitful year! We look forward to following your research updates. Could you tell us more about the multidisciplinary team at your COM and the work that they do?
Our center prides itself on having a truly multidisciplinary team, with experts specializing in various facets of obesity management. We have several dietitians, each focusing on specific areas like bariatric surgery, adult obesity, and pediatric obesity. Our team also includes psychiatrists who specialize in treating eating disorders and offer dedicated support programs. Psychologists, physical therapists, adapted physical activity instructors, and a pediatrician—who plays a key role in managing pediatric obesity—are all essential members of our team. We also have a social worker to assist patients with additional support services.
Our bariatric surgery programs, led by my esteemed colleague Professor Claire Blanchard, are a key component of our center. Professor Blanchard played an instrumental role in developing the 2024 French guidelines for metabolic and bariatric surgery, ensuring our practice is aligned with the most current national standards. On the research side, we are supported by a highly skilled team, including a research nurse, clinical study technician, and clinical research assistant, who all contribute to advancing our research initiatives. This integrated, multidisciplinary approach ensures our patients receive the highest quality of care while also driving innovation in obesity management.
It is great to hear more about your team. How does your COM approach professional development and continuous education for your staff?
We place a strong emphasis on continuous education and professional development. Our staff regularly participates in national conferences, such as the AFERO (Association Française d’Etude et de Recherche sur l’Obésité) conference on obesity and the SOFFCOMM (Société Française et Francophone de Chirurgie de l’Obésité et des Maladies Métaboliques) conference on bariatric surgery. These events keep our team abreast of the latest research and clinical advancements, fostering a culture of continuous learning. We also host regional multidisciplinary case discussions on bariatric surgery, bringing together specialists like bariatric surgeons, endocrinologists, dietitians, and psychologists to collaboratively develop patient care plans. This not only supports professional growth but also enhances patient outcomes by ensuring a well-rounded approach to treatment.
It sounds like a vibrant team atmosphere in your COM. How does your COM engage with the wider community in obesity awareness and prevention?
We are deeply involved in national initiatives through the management board of the French Coordination of Specialised Obesity Centres. This collaboration allows us to contribute to a cohesive national strategy aimed at improving obesity care pathways, raising public awareness, and sharing educational tools for patients. We believe that working together at a national level is key to addressing the broader challenges of obesity and driving meaningful change in prevention and treatment strategies.
What are your goals for your COM in the future? Are there any prominent challenges your COM faces?
With the advent of new obesity medications, our primary goal is to integrate these treatments into our clinical practice alongside lifestyle interventions. We are currently developing new protocols to optimize patient outcomes and offer specialized training in pharmacological management. At the same time, we are navigating the competitive landscape for funding to support these efforts.
Another important goal is to expand our telemedicine services to offer continuous care and follow-up for patients, particularly those on medication, without requiring frequent in-person visits. We are also exploring the use of digital tools and data analytics to further personalize treatment plans for our patients. As the field of obesity treatment evolves rapidly, our focus is on ensuring that technological advances are implemented in ways that best serve our patients.
As always, resources remain a challenge as we strive to meet the diverse needs of our patients. We are open to international collaborations that can help us further advance research and clinical care, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for individuals living with obesity globally.
Thank you, David, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that your team at Centre Spécialisé de l’Obésité Ouest Atlantique is making substantial contributions to the field of obesity management. We look forward to hearing more about your ongoing research and future successes.
This ‘Meet the COMs’ edition featured David Jacobi from the Centre Spécialisé de l’Obésité Ouest Atlantique, who shared his team’s achievements, multidisciplinary approach, and future goals in obesity management. Thank you, David!