In the fast-moving field of obesity management, this practical, in-depth and comprehensive forum was a must attend. The unique day was crafted to benefit all HCPs providing clinical management support and guidance to people living with obesity.
Those who took one day out to join us in Leeds to hear well-balanced, informative presentations from a wide selection of knowledgeable speakers, partook in valuable, cross-discipline discussions and debates, plus learnt from appropriate and timely industry partners in the dedicated networking breaks.
Sponsored by: 
Novo Nordisk
has provided sponsorship to SBK to cover the cost of stand space for this
meeting Novo Nordisk has had no influence over the meeting agenda or
arrangements.
Rhythm
Pharmaceuticals has provided sponsorship to SBK to cover the cost of stand
space for this meeting. Rhythm Pharmaceuticals has had no influence over the
meeting agenda or arrangements.
5 hours Continuing Professional Development and networking
With the fast-changing demand for GLP-1s, it was vital to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and clinical evidence. This dedicated forum not only delved into the intricacies of weight-loss medication developments but also provided a well-rounded, all-encompassing, holistic approach to improving obesity management.
Attendees focused on:
- Understanding the criteria for access to weight-loss medications
- Building a plan for ICB rollout following the national guidance
- Navigating the suitability and practicalities of weight-loss medication
- Accurately managing genetic test results: how to approach abnormal outcomes
- Exploring the impact of lifestyle changes on weight management
- Discovering the pros and cons of offering bariatric operations in the NHS
During the afternoon, this meeting was split into 2 workstreams to ensure maximum learning
Upon booking, attendees were asked to choose which stream to attend, based on their experience.
For those new to weight management, the following sessions were available:
- 1a Identifying and referring appropriate candidates for genetic testing
- 2a Suitability and practicalities of weight-loss medication
For those experienced with weight management, the following sessions were offered:
- 1b Genetic test results: how to manage and what you can offer
- 2b GLP-1 use in complex patient groups
What attendees gained from the training day
This dedicated training day armed attendees with increased knowledge and practical skills to improve the management of obesity. Participants benefited from:
- Building networks: Gained access to obesity and primary care professionals, as well as thought leaders, to build a community of peers for support, advice, and guidance
- Professional learning: Discovered clinical updates, evidence-based learnings, and real-world examples
- Facilitated discussion: Identified innovative approaches for enhancing care pathways and improving the patient experience
With thanks to our sponsors
SBK Healthcare would like to thank Dr Franks Weight Loss Clinic, Novo Nordisk and Rhythm Pharmaceuticals for sponsoring this forum.
Novo Nordisk has provided sponsorship to SBK to cover the cost of stand space for this meeting. Novo Nordisk has had no influence over the meeting agenda or arrangements.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals has provided sponsorship to SBK to cover the cost of stand space for this meeting. Rhythm Pharmaceuticals has had no influence over the meeting agenda or arrangements.
| 8:30 |
Registration, refreshments and networking opportunities
|
| 9:00 |
Chair’s opening remarks and introductions
Professor Rob Andrews, Associate Professor of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University of Exeter Medical School and Irena Cruickshank, Weight Management Nurse Specialist, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
|
| National developments | |
| 9:10 |
Exploring new guidance and the latest developments: implications for the obesity pathway
Dr Jonathan Hazelhurst, Endocrinologist and Obesity Physician, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
|
| 9:35 |
Questions and answers with your speaker
|
| Localised approaches | |
| 9:50 |
Best practice approaches to rolling out weight-loss drugs across Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). In this dedicated showcase, you will hear from two ICBs about their approach to the roll out including:
Gloucestershire ICB Perspective: Corinne Robinson, Senior Program Manager and Hilary Adira, Project Manager, Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board. Wiltshire Council Perspective: Katie Davies, Public Health Principal and Jess Funnell, Public Health Specialist - Health Improvement, Wiltshire Council
|
| 10:40 |
Questions and answers with your speakers
|
| 10:55 |
Real World Experience of Medical Weight Loss Therapy in the UK Private Sector: A Nationally Delivered Endocrinology Led Service
Professor Franklin Joseph, Endocrinologist, Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Franks Weight Loss Clinic
|
| 11:05 |
Networking break
|
| 11:25 |
Interactive discussion: How best to support patients who are not eligible for weight-loss medications
|
| MDT approaches | |
| 11:45 |
Understanding the impact of obesity on cardiology: learnings from a combined clinic
Dr Mimi Chen, Specialist Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Dr Rajay Narain, Consultant Cardiologist, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
|
| 12:10 |
Questions and answers with your speakers
|
| Surgical interventions | |
| 12:20 |
Debate: We should only be offering one bariatric operation on the NHS. Chaired by Mr Dimitri Pournaras, Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeon, North Bristol NHS Trust
Mr Dimitri Pournaras, Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeon, North Bristol NHS Trust, Mr Ahmed Ahmed, Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery and Lead Bariatric Surgeon, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Mr Neil Jennings, Consultant General Surgeon and Clinical Director, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
|
| 1:00 |
Networking lunch
|
| Lifestyle changes | |
| 2:00 |
How to incorporate lifestyle into weight management and understanding why it is important
Matt Cocks, Reader in Exercise Physiology, Liverpool John Moores University
|
| 2:25 |
Questions and answers with your speakers
|
| 14:35 |
Genetic testing : who to test and how to deal with the results
Professor Sadaf Farooqi, Wellcome Principal Research Fellow and Professor of Metabolism and Medicine, University of Cambridge
|
| 15:00 |
Questions and answers with your speaker
|
| 3:10 |
Networking break
|
| 15:30 |
Discussion: Which option is best for the patients: GLP-1s versus surgery – are we getting this right?
Professor Rob Andrews, Associate Professor of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University of Exeter Medical School and Irena Cruickshank, Weight Management Nurse Specialist, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
|
| 3:50 |
Case studies: Real-world examples explored for GLP-1s
Professor Rob Andrews, Associate Professor of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University of Exeter Medical School and Irena Cruickshank, Weight Management Nurse Specialist, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
|
| 16:15 |
Questions and answers with your speakers
|
| 4:25 |
Closing remarks and close of day
|
Novo Nordisk has provided sponsorship to SBK to cover the cost of stand space for this meeting. Novo Nordisk has had no influence over the meeting agenda or arrangements.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals has provided sponsorship to SBK to cover the cost of stand space for this meeting. Rhythm Pharmaceuticals has had no influence over the meeting agenda or arrangements.
Meet the Obesity Management Advisory Board
Developed with the expertise of renowned leaders in the field — Prof Rob Andrews, Prof Sadaf Farooqi, and Irena Cruikshank — the Obesity Management Advisory Board created a groundbreaking event that offered cutting-edge insights and the latest clinical approaches to obesity management.
Professor Sadaf Farooqi
Wellcome Principal Research Fellow and Professor of Metabolism and Medicine
University of Cambridge
Irena Cruickshank
Weight Management Nurse Specialist and Independent Prescriber
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Novo Nordisk has provided sponsorship to SBK to cover the cost of stand space for this meeting. Novo Nordisk has had no influence over the meeting agenda or arrangements.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals has provided sponsorship to SBK to cover the cost of stand space for this meeting. Rhythm Pharmaceuticals has had no influence over the meeting agenda or arrangements.
Thank you to our speakers
Professor Rob Andrews
Associate Professor of Diabetes and Endocrinology
University of Exeter Medical School
Irena Cruickshank
Weight Management Nurse Specialist and Independent Prescriber
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Jonathan Hazelhurst
Endocrinologist and Obesity Physician
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Corinne Robinson
Senior Program Manager
Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board
Hilary Adira
Project Manager
Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board
Katie Davies
Public Health Principal - Health Improvement
Wiltshire Council
Jess Funnell
Public Health Specialist
Wiltshire Council
Professor Franklin Joseph
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
Dr Franks Weight Loss Clinic
Dr Mimi Chen
Specialist Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology
St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Rajay Narain
Consultant Cardiologist
St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Mr Dimitri Pournaras
Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeon
North Bristol NHS Trust
Mr Ahmed Ahmed
Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery and Lead Bariatric Surgeon
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Mr Neil Jennings
Consultant General Surgeon and Clinical Director
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Matt Cocks
Reader in Exercise Physiology
Liverpool John Moores University
Novo Nordisk has provided sponsorship to SBK to cover the cost of stand space for this meeting. Novo Nordisk has had no influence over the meeting agenda or arrangements.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals has provided sponsorship to SBK to cover the cost of stand space for this meeting. Rhythm Pharmaceuticals has had no influence over the meeting agenda or arrangements.
Past attendee feedback
This in-person networking forum followed our hugely successful Obesity Management National Networking Forum from November 2024, which was attended by over 60 NHS professionals, all aiming to update their understanding of the latest advancements in obesity management.
It brought together a wide range of healthcare professionals, including:
- Clinical Nurse Specialists in Heart Disease, Excess Weight Clinics, Diabetes, and Weight Management
- GPs
- Psychologists and Psychotherapists
- Dietitians in Weight Management, Diabetes, and Bariatrics
- Pharmacists
- Consultants in Bariatric Surgery, Endocrinology, Diabetes, Gynaecology, and Orthopaedics
In 2025, we anticipated additional attendance from Practice Nurses, Pharmacists, and Community Nurses.
Take a look at how the attendees described this Clinical Management of Obesity National Networking Forum:
View further comments on SBK Healthcare events on Trust Pilot.
Novo Nordisk has provided sponsorship to SBK to cover the cost of stand space for this meeting. Novo Nordisk has had no influence over the meeting agenda or arrangements.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals has provided sponsorship to SBK to cover the cost of stand space for this meeting. Rhythm Pharmaceuticals has had no influence over the meeting agenda or arrangements.
With thanks to our sponsors
Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases.
Novo Nordisk has provided sponsorship to SBK to cover the cost of stand space for this meeting. Novo Nordisk has had no influence over the meeting agenda or arrangements.
Dr. Franks is an endocrinology-led national weight loss clinic offering a tailored, multidisciplinary, ethical programme combining pharmacotherapy, behaviour change and lifestyle support. We help individuals achieve sustainable results with patient safety and person-centred care at the heart of everything we do.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to improving the lives of patients with rare neuroendocrine diseases by developing medicines that address the root cause. For more information, please contact Fleur Taylor at ftaylor@rhythmtx.com
UK-RHY-2500001 I Date of preparation: January 2025
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals has provided sponsorship to SBK to cover the cost of stand space for this meeting. Rhythm Pharmaceuticals has had no influence over the meeting agenda or arrangements.
Why sponsor?
Our role at SBK Healthcare is to bring industry together with healthcare professionals so that you can educate and inform your audience. These trail-blazing NHS forums offer dedicated presentations, Q&A, networking and discussion time, each sponsor will be fully immersed into the event and able to effectively engage with your NHS audience.
Interested in having your own event, managed by us?
SBK Healthcare also provides in-house forums. Working closely with you as the client we can research, produce, market and deliver the conference or online forum that best suits the audience and meets your goals.
Reach out today
If you would like more information on our sponsorship options an in-house forum or if you wish to discuss your needs and what solutions may be appropriate for your business, please contact:
Vanessa Pearce
Contact: 01732 897788
Email: vanessa.pearce@sbk-healthcare.co.uk