From October 16 to 18, 2024, our working group participated in the 40th Congress of the German Obesity Society (DAG) in Cologne, which was held under the motto “Shaping Change – Finding Solutions.” The event attracted numerous experts and researchers who exchanged information on current developments in the prevention and treatment of obesity and presented new approaches to improving care. In addition to innovative therapy options and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostics and treatment, the promotion of young scientists and interdisciplinary exchange were also key focal points.
Our working group made a valuable contribution to this year's conference with a total of five presentations and two workshops. Additionally, Prof. Dr. Karsten Koehler participated in a panel discussion on the topic “Digital Obesity Therapy – today/tomorrow/the day after” and discussed the role of AI in lifestyle tracking (see photo).
The congress began with two workshops: directed by Prof. Koehler, Sieglinde Hechenbichler and Valentin Nußer presented various mobile methods for tracking nutrition and physical activity. Also led by Prof. Koehler, Christina Glasbrenner conducted an introductory workshop on using machine learning as a tool for predicting weight loss.
On the first day of the congress, our team presented four scientific projects. Sieglinde Hechenbichler Figueroa gave a talk on new insights into indices of ketone production during short-term carbohydrate and calorie restriction. Paulina Wasserfurth presented her research on the relationship between core body temperature and body weight in women. Complementing her workshop, Christina Glasbrenner presented her work on predicting individual weight loss using machine learning, which was recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Another highlight was the presentation by Elizabete Laivina, who showcased her research titled “Acute differential effects of low-carbohydrate versus standard diet during caloric maintenance and moderate caloric deficit on postprandial glucose response among young healthy adults.” She was awarded a poster prize of €500 for her presentation. The congress concluded with Dr. Christoph Höchsmann’s talk on the “Time-of-day effects of fasted training on post-exercise energy intake” on the second day.
We thank the DAG-organization-team for the opportunity to present our research and are delighted to have been part of this congress. The exchange at this interdisciplinary forum has provided us with valuable insights for our future research in obesity therapy.
A video with further impressions of the congress can be viewed here.