Programme
| Time | Programme |
| 4:00pm | Opening Remarks by Prof Jon Wilson (Dean of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences) |
| 4:10pm | "Obesity – a complex disease or a result of wrong lifestyle choices?" by |
| 4:35pm | "Shaping Healthier Lives: Behavior and Intervention Strategies for Tackling Obesity" by |
| 5:00pm | Q&A Session Moderated by Prof Jon Wilson |
| 5:30pm | End |
Buffet reception will follow after the talk. All participants are welcome.
Please note that there may be photography, video or audio recordings during the event. By attending this event, you consent to the use of your photograph and voice in any broadcasts of the event and in subsequent productions drawn from photograph, video or audio recordings of this event for publicity and marketing purposes.
Speakers
"Obesity – a complex disease or a result of wrong lifestyle choices?" by Prof Christian Wolfrum
A significant proportion of the world's population today are characterized as obese or overweight and the numbers are still rising sharply. This is causing a global health crisis with far reaching consequences. This is due to the fact that obesity predisposes for a host of co-morbidities including cardiovascular complications, cancer and type 2 diabetes to name but a few. Obesity develops from an imbalance in energy homeostasis however the root cause which has led to the sharp increase in the last 30 years is still under debate. Currently very few strategies exist to sustainably lose weight at a level required. Most of the current strategies focus on regulating energy intake which is only tackling one side of the problem due to compensatory metabolic regulation of the organism. The talk will focus on the processes that govern energy metabolism and the current approaches to treat obesity.
"Shaping Healthier Lives: Behavior and Intervention Strategies for Tackling Obesity" by Prof May O. Lwin
Rising obesity rates in Singapore and the region present a complex public health challenge. While biological factors play a role, behavioral, social, and environmental influences are critical in shaping obesity outcomes, underscoring the need for a comprehensive, behaviorally informed approach to prevention and intervention. This presentation covers our research approaching obesity from a psychosocial perspective and highlights the understanding of perceptions, motivations, and decision-making processes that drive individual health behaviors. By applying behavioral science theories and methods, we aim to better understand how people interpret health information, navigate food choices, and engage with physical activity. These insights serve as foundation for designing more targeted interventions in communities.
This presentation will share findings from studies using digital platforms and public health campaigns to promote healthier eating and physical activity, aiming to shift behaviors toward energy balance to reduce obesity.
