We are a large multifaceted group comprising of over 80 members from approximately 40
groups associated with the University of Melbourne. The groups have
expertise that ranges from Public Health, Children and Adolescent
Health, Clinical Medicine with, Obesity Clinics that include integrated
Medical and Surgical units, Clinical Research departments, Basic
Science, Economics etc, who are all currently addressing the obesity
problem from the social, environmental and medical perspectives.

Our overall aim is to co-ordinate the efforts of the University of
Melbourne and its affiliated institutions to tackle obesity using state
of the art, basic and clinical science and evidence-based individual
therapy and public health measures. 

Speakers

The University of Melbourne’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Susan Elliott,
(Teaching, Learning & Equity) oversaw the launch proceedings.

Professor Joe Proietto, Director of the Obesity Consortium gave an overview of
the groups depth, breadth, goals and future directions. 

Minister Maxine Morand (Children & Early Childhood Development and Women’s
Affairs) gave an overview the Victorian Governments response and
initiatives in relation to what is now known as the ‘obesity
epidemic’.  She will then officially declare the Consortium launched.

In conclusion our esteemed colleague, Ian Caterson, Boden Professor of
Human Nutrition at the University of Sydney, and Director of the
Institute of Obesity, Nutrition and Exercise briefly described how they
are taking a broad approach to combating and preventing obesity.

Here is further information on the Scientific Meeting

Here is further information on the Free Public Lecture entitled "Challenges Facing Prevention and Treatment of Obesity"