SCOPE School Mumbai: Patient-centred care in obesity management

On 20 February 2025, the World Obesity Federation hosted a SCOPE School in Mumbai, India, focusing on 'Patient-Centred Care in Obesity Management: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach'.

This event, held alongside the 9th IFSO APC | 22nd OSSICON Meeting, addressed the pressing issue of rising obesity rates in India, where over 135 million individuals are affected, leading to significant public health challenges and increased healthcare costs.

Held at the Jio World Convention Centre, SCOPE School Mumbai aimed to bridge the educational gap in multi-disciplinary obesity management. It provided healthcare professionals with culturally relevant training to effectively support individuals living with obesity. The comprehensive agenda featured sessions on current obesity trends in India, challenges in management, the biology of weight control, and the pathophysiology of obesity.

SCOPE School Mumbai

Renowned experts included Jamy Ard, Shashank Joshi, Manoj Chawla, Ricardo Cohen, Richa Jaiswal and Shehla Sheikh among others delivering lectures on dietary interventions, physical activity prescriptions, pharmacotherapy, metabolic bariatric surgery, psychological health, weight bias, and stigma.

The event also included panel discussions co-chaired by David Cummings and Kwang-Wei Tham on practical case studies, emphasising a holistic and patient-centred approach to obesity care. The esteemed panel members included Aparna Govil Bhaskar, Violeta Moize, Adrian Toh and Eileen Canday.

Photographs: IFSO

The SCOPE School in Mumbai underscored the importance of equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and understanding to tackle obesity challenges in India. By fostering a multi-disciplinary and culturally sensitive approach, the event aimed to enhance the quality of care for those affected by obesity and contribute to the development of effective, patient-centred management strategies.

With over 150 people in attendance, speakers included international and national clinicians and health professionals in obesity management and advocates. 100% of delegates surveyed said the SCOPE School programme significantly increased participants' knowledge, confidence, and willingness to implement best practices in their clinical work. Most participants felt the topic depth was ‘just right’, indicating a well-balanced curriculum.