Gov extends the Soft Drinks Industry Levy to sugary milk-based drinks and lowers the threshold to 4.5g/100ml. Evidence shows the levy drives reformulation and reduces children’s sugar intake and obesity risk. Gov estimates 17m calories/day removed. ASO response: aso.org.uk/government-a...

Ahead of the Autumn Budget, ASO is drawing attention to its recent evidence submission to HM Treasury. The submission outlines practical proposals to improve access to obesity treatment, address inequalities, and support NHS sustainability. Read the full submission here: aso.org.uk/wp-content/u...

A new Lancet series reviews global evidence on ultra-processed foods. High UPF intake is linked with greater risks of obesity and NCDs, and trials show higher energy intake even with matched nutrients. The authors argue the evidence supports action now. www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...

Great to see obesity prevention and treatment highlighted in Parliament at the @rcpath.bsky.social event. ASO’s Dr Kevin Deans shared why early intervention and accessible, individualised support make such a difference, and represented ASO in discussions on preventing obesity-related diseases.

Early career & interested in obesity research? Check out these brilliant @ukaso.bsky.social early career internships ⬇️ Supported w/ a £800 bursary! 📆Extended deadline: 30th November Please share w/ early career networks @easoobesity.bsky.social @divhealthpsych.bsky.social @bps-swoe.bsky.social

Are you 18+ and living with or have lived with obesity in the UK/Ireland? Share your experiences and views on what successful obesity management means to you in a 30min online interview. If you are interested, please email: [email protected] for details.

📣 Come and join us at ASO! ⏰ Less than one week to go to apply for one of our operational roles. If you are a clinician, researcher, policy professional or student with an interest in obesity, click the link below to learn more and apply (deadline: 19th October). lnkd.in/eTg-iEkZ

Are you a clinician, researcher, policy professional or student with an interest in obesity? We are expanding our operational committees to deliver more for ASO members and are now inviting applications for a wide range of roles. To learn more: tinyurl.com/2a7kfbku

The UK Congress on Obesity, hosted by @ukaso.bsky.social, focused on "Understanding Obesity: From Research to Clinical and Public Health Practice." Researchers from @mrcepid.bsky.social attended to enhance our knowledge of obesity.

Excited to present our new large national randomised controlled trial on a digital, scalable weight loss maintenance intervention led by @amyahern.bsky.social at #UKCO2025. We're currently recruiting from various commissioned weight loss interventions throughout the UK. @ukaso.bsky.social

It’s hard to believe #UKCO25 wrapped up almost a week ago! At ASO, we’re proud to bring together researchers, clinicians, policy experts & lived experience voices, creating space to share science, spark ideas & strengthen our community. 🎥 Hear what others had to say 👇

As #UKCO2025 comes to a close, we would like to thank all delegates, speakers and lived experience representatives for their engagement and contributions to this year’s conference. We hope you can join us in Sheffield next year! #UKCO2026

Another interesting and informative session on the impacts of food environments on choice, health, inequalities and the economy. #UKCO2025

Dr Gillian Purdon discussing the food environment in Scotland. “It’s not just the food retail environment - availability, marketing and promotions outside of the home also need to be considered… We need to think about the food system as a whole”. #UKCO2025

Lunchtime poster viewing and networking at #UKCO2025. Coming up this afternoon: - A plenary session on working towards a healthier food environment for Scotland - Prizes and conference closing

Dr Liz Evans discussing parent and stakeholder views of the MapMe intervention, a tool to improve parental understanding of childhood obesity. #UKCO2025

Professor Alison Avenell discussing researching integrity and sharing important considerations when appraising and citing research. In the presentation, Professor Avenell shared evaluation tools to assess data integrity, such as TRACT, RIA and REAPPRAISED. #UKCO2025

Professor Maria Bryant sharing findings from the Child of the North APPG report. In the presentation, Professor Bryant highlighted differences in free school meal eligibility, maternal obesity and breastfeeding rates between the North and South of England. #UKCO2025

Professor Naveed Sattar opening day two of #UKCO2025 with an engaging presentation on the impacts of intentional weight loss. In the presentation, Professor Sattar highlighted potential improvements to blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, inflammation and osteoarthritis.

As #UKCO2025 day one comes to a close, we would like to thank everyone for their attendance and engagement in the sessions. We hope you can join us tomorrow for insightful presentations, informative panel discussions and many networking opportunities!

Professor Louisa Ells and Mr Ken Clare discuss the value of involving those with lived experience of obesity in research. “Nothing about us, without us”. #UKCO2025

Congratulations to Professor John Wilding on winning the ASO Honorary Fellowship Award. In his presentation, Professor Wilding discussed different pharmacotherapy approaches to support weight reduction and other health outcomes. #UKCO2025

Professor Louisa Ells and Mr Ken Clare discuss the value of involving those with lived experience of obesity in research. “Nothing about us, without us”. #UKCO2025

Powerful discussions in our multidisciplinary symposium at #UKCO2025: 💬 Weight stigma 🧠 Psychological wellbeing around bariatric surgery 🤰 Fertility & pregnancy in people living with obesity ✈️ Medical tourism and its implications Real lives, real impact

Exploring the intersection of policy, food systems and public health at #UKCO2025 From dark kitchens and food trials, to HFSS marketing, tax policy, and public perceptions, today’s speakers brought fresh insights into how policy can shape healthier environments.

Another informative session by Stephanie Goodlet (Northumbria Healthcare) on training healthcare staff using a virtual patient, based on making every contact count principles. #UKCO2025

An insightful session with Dr Fiona Quigley, discussing the potential of integrating artificial intelligence into student training on patient consultations. “Patients don’t want move more eat less, they want compassion, dignity and holistic care and advice”. #UKCO2025

Congratulations to Dr Jo Howe, winner of the ASO Ken Clare Award. In her presentation, Dr Howe discussed the relationship between mental illness, medications and weight gain. “Patients feel blindsided, unsupported and ill prepared to deal with the side effects of medication”.

Standing room only for our packed session on Medications for Obesity Management. From GLP-1 programmes to semaglutide trials and clinical outcomes, today’s speakers shared the latest evidence and insights #UKCO2025

Dr Marta Lonnie discussing some of the challenges of co-designing solutions for obesity and food insecurity and resources to support co-production such as the Synergy project toolkit. #UKCO2025

Dr Emma Wilkins discussing preliminary analyses of supermarket transaction data to identify healthy food and beverage swaps, highlighting the importance of considering the lens through which we observe patterns of association. #UKCO2025

Dr Emma Hunter sharing findings from the FIO Food project and barriers to healthy and sustainable food choices in retail environments. “There was a call for systemic change to help those experiencing food insecurity to make healthy and sustainable choices”. #UKCO2025

Congratulations to Dr Louisa Herring, winner of the ASO Best Practice Award for her service evaluation of Steps4Health. Steps4Health is a tool that aims to promote physical activity in adults living with severe obesity, which increased steps by 974 steps per day. #UKCO2025

Professor @johnspeakman4.bsky.social sharing insights on macronutrient impacts on dietary intake in mice and humans. #UKCO2025

Professor Nicola Heslehurst opening #UKCO2025 with a warm welcome.

Delegates arriving in Aberdeen as #UKCO2025 kicks off!

The BMJ reveals less than half of England has NHS access to tirzepatide ASO President Prof Nicola Heslehurst told The BMJ: “The Govt promise of investment in obesity care needs to be backed up with the funding required to remove inequality in access.” www.bmj.com/content/390/...

✨ Just one week until #UKCO2025! 💫 We’re looking forward to two days of cutting-edge research, policy discussion, and clinical insight - bringing together colleagues from across the UK and beyond. Stay tuned for live updates from Aberdeen as the countdown continues!

🚨 Final call! Registration for #UKCO2025 closes tomorrow (31 Aug). Join us in Aberdeen, 10–11 Sept, for the UK’s leading obesity event - expert speakers, research, policy & more. 👉 Register now: cconline.eventsair.com/uk-congress-...

⏳ 7 days to go! Registration for #UKCO2025 closes on 31 August. Join us in Aberdeen, 10–11 Sept, for the UK’s leading obesity event, two packed days of expert speakers, research & debate. Register here: aso.org.uk/events/uk-co...

Baby food manufacturers have 18 months to cut sugar & salt and improve labelling under new Govt guidance. With 2 in 3 toddlers eating too much sugar, early nutrition is critical to tackling childhood obesity. Voluntary steps are welcome - but mandatory standards are needed.

New evidence in @annalsofim.bsky.social Weight loss before IVF can improve pregnancy outcomes. 👶 +21% total pregnancies ✨ +47% unassisted pregnancies ⚠️ Live birth effect unclear Full study 👉 www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/...

📣 The full #UKCO25 programme is now live! Join us in Aberdeen, 10–11 Sept, for two packed days of cutting-edge obesity research, AI, policy, stigma, patient experience & more. 📄 View the Programme: aso.org.uk/wp-content/u... ⏰ There’s still time to register: aso.org.uk/ukco-2025-re...

Understanding Obesity: Systems, Stigma & Lived Experience 📅 9 Sept | ⏰ 18:00–20:00 | 📍 Aberdeen Sports Village Explore drivers beyond individual choice, the impact of stigma & lived experience stories. Free & open to all. Scan QR / follow #UKCO2025 for updates.

✈️ 5 travel bursaries available! Join the Centres for Obesity Management (COMs) Meeting in Aberdeen on 9 Sept 2025 - the day before #UKCO2025. Apply now for support (up to £150 each): shorturl.at/PTqCE Event information: aso.org.uk/events/7th-a...

📢 New research shows Tier 3 obesity services in England are falling short: 5 ICBs reported no services Only 0–1.1% of eligible adults referred Many services don’t meet NHS guidelines Areas with highest deprivation often have least access 👉 Read more: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

✈️ 5 travel bursaries available! Join the Centres for Obesity Management (COMs) Meeting in Aberdeen on 9 Sept 2025 - the day before #UKCO2025. Apply now for support (up to £150 each): shorturl.at/PTqCE Event information: aso.org.uk/events/7th-a...

Make sure you have your say on the State of Endocrinology Survey – you have until Tuesday, 30 September 2025. ⌛ @esendocrinology.bsky.social #BecauseHormonesMatter #StateOfEndocrinology

Understanding Obesity: Systems, Stigma & Lived Experience 📅 9 Sept | ⏰ 18:00–20:00 | 📍 Aberdeen Sports Village Explore drivers beyond individual choice, the impact of stigma & lived experience stories. Free & open to all. Scan QR / follow #UKCO2025 for updates.

📢 Earlier this week, NICE published its updated Quality Standard (QS212) on overweight & obesity management. We're proud to have contributed and we’re encouraging partners, professionals & commissioners to use and share this important resource. 🔗 nice.org.uk/guidance/qs212