The KNUST and GIMPA lecturer, Dr Kingsley Agyemang will lead the global discussion on multi-level determinants of obesity (using Ghana as an exemplar) at the 31st European Conference on obesity (ECO) in Venice, Italy.

ECO is the premier obesity event in Europe and facilitates interaction among scientific leaders to streamline academic discourse.

Dr Agyemang seeks to encourage academic research on obesity, which has traditionally focussed on individual level factors, to incorporate areal level factors given the theoretical nudge for a more ecological approach.

‘The ‘obesogeneity’ of our living spaces and societal norms are keys to reversing the rising cases of obesity globally. In Ghana, and to a larger extent sub–Saharan Africa, the closeness of our communities increases the intra group correlation and makes the multi-level lens more critical ‘he opines.

In the interview, he further stated that ‘Despite the well documented importance of an ecological framework in understanding health behaviour, it is quite surprising the associated empirical evidence base on obesity is rare particularly in Africa. A wider incorporation of diverse non-clinical disciplines could contribute to addressing this gap’

The European conference is scheduled for this month and will feature clinicians, practitioners, physicians, nutritionists, surgeons, and researchers – all experts and key opinion leaders in the field of obesity and its related conditions.

It promises to deliver an extremely attractive and diverse scientific programme complemented by specialised presentations, courses, and networking opportunities. ‎