As a result of modern lifestyles, an increasing number of people are developing metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. These conditions, which are closely associated with cardiovascular disease, have become a major public health concern and are now among the leading causes of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These diseases also contribute to significant social, economic, and societal issues.
In response, the National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina, has established the task force “Strategies for the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity.” Within this overarching group, further expert panels have been formed. Prof. Dr. Renate Oberhoffer-Fritz, Vice Dean of Talent Management and Diversity and Chair of Preventive Pediatrics, serves on the “Prevention and Lifestyle” panel. Prof. Dr. Michael Laxy, Professorship of Public Health and Prevention, contributes his expertise to the panel “Economic, Sociological, and Legal Dimensions”. Both scientists were appointed by the "Policy and Society Advisory Board" at its inaugural meeting in June 2024.
“Being appointed by the Leopoldina is a special recognition of this important field and of my work. It is an honor not only for me personally, but for our entire Department of Health and Sport Sciences,” says Prof. Oberhoffer-Fritz. “Prevention and treatment of obesity should begin as early as possible —ideally in early childhood or even during pregnancy, as rates of the condition continue to rise. I am delighted to represent this age group in such a crucial area.”
Commenting on his appointment, Prof. Laxy said: “I am thrilled to contribute my expertise, particularly in economics and public health, to policy advisory efforts. Obesity is a major societal issue, and it is an honor to work within this group to drive positive change. At TUM, we aim to translate our research and expertise into actionable strategies for society and politics, providing evidence-based recommendations for the prevention and treatment of obesity.”
The aim of the Leopoldina’s task force is to identify effective measures and develop recommendations and strategies for prevention policies, taking into account new therapeutic approaches for metabolic diseases. “Our role is to compile the facts on the topic from various perspectives and work on possible measures for policymakers to counteract this negative trend,” says Prof. Oberhoffer-Fritz. “We aim to gather the current evidence in our expert panels and provide actionable options for policymakers and society at large,” adds Prof. Laxy.
Leopoldina was designated as Germany’s National Academy of Sciences in 2008. In this role, it has two key functions: representing German science internationally and advising policymakers and the public. Through independent, science-based reports, Leopoldina provides guidance to decision-makers both domestically and abroad. Core to this mission are its working groups, which present the latest scientific findings in an accessible manner and outline policy options for government and society.
To the homepage of the Chair of Preventive Pediatrics
To the homepage of the Chair of Public Health and Prevention
To the homepage of Leopoldina
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Renate Oberhoffer-Fritz
Chair of Preventive Pediatrics
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62
80992 Munich
Tel.: +49 89 289 24574
Email: renate.oberhoffer(at)tum.de
Prof. Dr. Michael Laxy
Chair of Public Health and Prevention
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62
80992 Munich
Email: michael.laxy(at)tum.de
Text: Bastian Daneyko
Photos: Markus Scholz | Leopoldina / Private