Canadian Obesity Network Officially Represents Canada on World Stage

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Jan. 9, 2012) - The Canadian Obesity Network - Réseau canadien en obésité (CON-RCO) is now a member of the International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO), umbrella organization for 52 national obesity associations, representing 56 countries.

Canada was previously represented at IASO by The Obesity Society (TOS), formerly known as the North American Association for the Study of Obesity (NAASO), which continues to be the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity in the USA and Mexico and will remain as the regional representative for North America within IASO.

CON-RCO was founded in 2006 to link the Canadian research, policy and practice communities to advance the development and delivery of effective obesity prevention and treatment solutions. The network's core strategies focus on addressing the stigma associated with excess weight, changing the way policy makers and health professionals approach obesity, and improving access to prevention and treatment resources. CON-RCO is hosted by the University of Alberta, and is based at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, AB.

"With well over 6,500 members, CON-RCO has significantly enhanced Canadian capacity and expertise in obesity, and created a deep sense of community and shared vision among Canada's obesity researchers, health professionals and decision makers," says Scientific Director Dr. Arya M. Sharma. "We are pleased that Canada will be recognized as one of IASO's National Association Members on the world stage, and to bring the benefits of IASO membership directly to our members."

One in four adult Canadians and one in 10 children are clinically obese, meaning six million Canadians living with obesity require immediate support in managing and controlling their excess weight. As a leading cause of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and cancer, the condition impacts those who have obesity, their families, employers, neighbours, health practitioners and governments. Obese individuals also face widespread societal prejudice and discrimination, resulting in emotional distress and inequities in employment, health-care and education. Overall, obesity is estimated to cost Canadians billions per year. Comprehensive public, private and non-governmental initiatives on obesity prevention and treatment are urgently needed in order to reverse this epidemic.

While the joint association with TOS (founded in 1982) has served Canada's obesity research community well, important differences between the societal drivers and impacts of obesity as well as approaches to its prevention and treatment exist between Canada and the USA, warranting separate organizations and independent representation of Canada's obesity community at IASO.

"With a diverse and active professional community in place and a successful track record in obesity, the time was right for the Canadian Obesity Network to become a member of IASO and represent Canada," says IASO President Prof. Philip James.

"This decision has the full support of both the TOS and IASO governing councils as well as the CON-RCO board of directors", adds TOS President Dr. Patrick O'Neil. "The three organizations believe this will benefit all our members, and we look forward to close collaboration as we work towards improving obesity prevention and treatment globally."