SOPHIA presented their latest research results to a full auditorium at the International Congress on Obesity (ICO) in São Paulo, Brazil on 26 June.
Redefining how we think about obesity
"We had to redefine how we think about obesity, and this congress is really world leading," said SOPHIA coordinator Carel Le Roux from University College Dublin, "it is already talking about obesity as a disease."
Moderated by Miroslava Guajardo from Novo Nordisk and Elena Startseva from Boehringer Ingelheim, there was an inspiring dialogue about the results of SOPHIA, the predictors of obesity risk and response, obesity in those with T1D and the patient voice in SOPHIA.
Working together to improve obesity care
Ebaa Al Ozairi from Dasman Diabetes Institute and Werd Al-Najim from University College Dublin represented the entire SOPHIA consortium as they presented our research and discussed how we're working together to improve obesity care.
Thank you to the entire SOPHIA consortium, the symposium presenters, the International Congress on Obesity and the audience for participation. Stay tuned for more information on SOPHIA presentations and results happening around the world!
How we resolve the lack of knowledge: Using the patient voice to achieve better understanding
The SOPHIA partnership aims to address these challenges by putting the patient voice at the center; an approach that has, thus far, been rare in obesity research. Patient-centric care is about putting the patient at the centre of decisions about their care, educating them on their options, allaying their fears and ensuring equitable access to appropriate healthcare. Hilary C. Craig elaborates:
“The SOPHIA research project demonstrates the value of patient centered care which is something that is lacking for people with obesity. The project enables patients to contribute, helping us to understand any factors limiting their attempts at managing their health, allows HCPs to identify any concerns they have regarding their disease and associated treatment and gives the HCPs the opportunity to discuss each patient’s case with them in detail.”
A better understanding of patient preferences may impact on treatment planning, make interventions more effective and reduce costs, ultimately creating better healthcare pathways for patients.
Are you curious about the patients’ perspective on obesity care?
Read the SOPHIA publication online here: Patient perspectives about treatment preferences for obesity with complications, or find the complete PDF via this link.
SOPHIA has received funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiatives in 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No. 875534. This Joint Undertaking support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program and EFPIA – European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, T1D Exchange, JDRF International, and Obesity Action Coalition through the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI).