Addressing Obesity in the Modern Age: A Clinical Researcher's Perspective

The continuous progress in medical research and our deepening understanding of the complexities surrounding obesity inspire cautious optimism. Promising advancements in medication development, specifically targeting appetite, metabolism, and fat storage, offer hope for sustainable weight loss and improved metabolic health.

The emergence of innovative pharmaceutical interventions holds the potential to provide personalised treatments, targeting specific pathways and unravelling the intricate nature of metabolic dysregulation. These novel medications have the ability to suppress cravings, restore satiety, and reignite metabolic efficiency, fostering the potential for sustainable weight loss. However, it is essential to approach these developments with caution, acknowledging the necessity for rigorous research, comprehensive evaluations of long-term effectiveness, and careful consideration of individual patient characteristics.

The journey towards effective clinical management demands a delicate balance between optimism and scientific scrutiny. As clinical researchers, our objective is to generate robust evidence, evaluate risks and benefits, and refine our approaches to ensure the utmost safety and efficacy for individuals navigating the complexities of obesity.

In his inaugural lecture, Prof. Sathyapalan will explore the groundbreaking advancements that are poised to revolutionise the field of pharmacotherapy for obesity, empowering patients and healthcare providers with evidence-based interventions that can genuinely transform the lives of those living with obesity.

Professor Sathyapalan (Sathya) is the academic lead for diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism research in the Clinical Sciences Centre.

Sathya is also an Honorary Consultant Endocrinologist at Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, UK.

Sathya obtained his undergraduate degree in Medicine from University of Kerala, India in 1996 and his MD (General Medicine) from JIPMER, India. He subsequently did his clinical training in Diabetes and Endocrinology as a Specialist Registrar in Yorkshire Deanery. Sathya was a Clinical Research Fellow in University of Hull and obtained his MD (Diabetes and Endocrinology) in 2009. He was appointed as Senior Lecturer in Hull York Medical School in October 2009, Reader in 2012 and was made Chair in Academic Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2016.

His main area of interest is on modulation of cardiovascular risk through pharmacological and nutritional interventions in insulin resistant states such as obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus. He is interested in traditional as well as novel risk factors, specifically endocrine disruptors.