The Society's public event on obesity at the BA Festival of Science in Liverpool has been a resounding success and has gained both national and international press coverage. This fascinating event was chaired by Quentin Cooper (BBC Radio 4, The Material World) and saw over 80 people come along to enjoy some fascinating talks about the latest research on obesity and possible solutions to the obesity epidemic. After a fitting opening from Prof Ian MacDonald examining the scale of the obesity problem in the UK, the event kicked off with a series of talks from Dr Giles Yeo, Dr Helen Budge and Dr Rachel Batterham examining how genetics, foetal influences and hormones can affect your weight. This was followed by a lively debate between Dr Carel le Roux, Gill Fine from the Food Standards Agency, Prof Ron Maughan and Dr Alex Johnstone examining the possible solutions to the obesity epidemic and was followed by a balanced but very lively question and answer session with the audience. The Society would like to extend its thanks to all the speakers and to our co-organisers, the Biochemical Society and Nutrition Society for helping to make this event such a success. Read some of the media stories generated from the event at the links below:

Women who eat too little during pregnancy increase child's risk of obesity

Scientists call for increase in gastric bypass surgery to tackle obesity