The aim of our obesity theme is to improve the health of people affected by obesity and obesity-associated diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, by rapidly translating our biomedical research discoveries into innovative and preventative treatment strategies through a ‘precision medicine/surgery’ approach.

The obesity theme is at the forefront of national research and is focused on translating basic science breakthroughs into innovative therapeutic strategies that benefit patients. Our mission is to improve the health and life expectancy of adolescents and adults living with obesity.

Theme Strategy

Our theme strategy is guided by the PPIE of our nationwide stakeholder charity, Obesity Empowerment Network UK (OEN UK), and will advance our strong track record of translational research to identify, and mitigate obesity associated risks to health in adolescents, and adults.

We aim to:

  • To develop innovative, effective, weight-loss therapeutic strategies (lifestyle, pharmacotherapy and endoscopic).
  • To identify predictors of weight-loss maintenance compared to weight regain and design strategies to support long-term weight-loss.

Our work will continue to benefit from partnership with the UCLH Bariatric Centre for Weight Management and Metabolic Surgery, established with translational research embedded into the clinical services, alongside the UCLH Adolescent Weight Management Service (the largest UK adolescent obesity service) and specialist weight management services within primary, and secondary care networks, to reach out to underserved communities with high disease burden.

We will translate scientific discoveries into innovative, multi-disciplinary, experimental medicine approaches, in conjunction with linked BRC themes, our NHS partnerships, NIHR Diet and Activity Research Translation (DART) Collaboration, strong PPI network, charity and industry collaborations.

Our work will deliver:

  • Benefits for patients: Improved knowledge surrounding the pathophysiology and treatment of obesity by non-expert healthcare providers and reduced weight stigma, Availability of effective treatments targeted to individuals’ needs leading to improved health.
  • Benefits for the public: Improved knowledge and reduced prevalence of obesity and related co-morbidities.
  • Benefits for the healthcare system: Improved treatment pathways and effective therapeutic approaches enabling high-quality evidence-based care for people living with obesity. Reduction in the prevalence of obesity and its associated co-morbidities.
  • Economic benefits: Reduction in NHS and greater societal costs.
Professor Mark Hamer
Obesity Theme Lead
Joe Mirza
Operations Manager, Cardiovascular disease, Obesity, Haematology
0203 108 2381