Next Event

Changing Lives in Youth Obesity: Multidisciplinary Care

20 March 2026 - Harbour Kitchen, Dockside, Melbourne

A full-day, in-person and recorded event bringing together
leading experts on how we can better support children and
adolescents living with obesity & provide practical strategies.

About the Event

Youth obesity is complex and requires thoughtful, patient-centred, multidisciplinary support. This event provides a space to discuss the latest evidence and prevention & treatment options for young people and their families from various perspectives .

Why Now

Obesity — defined by the Lancet Commission as a complex, chronic condition — can have profound impacts on health and wellbeing as children transition into adulthood. Understanding and addressing obesity early, with a supportive multidisciplinary team, is critical.

We must stay anchored to the fundamentals: maintaining a non-weight focus and supporting good nutrition, functional health, and emotional well-being. That said, we are entering a new era where GLP-1 medications may benefit selected adolescents, but safe use requires careful assessment, monitoring, and strong multidisciplinary care.

What We’ll Explore

School based programs and influence of environment including digital
How to deliver person-centred, evidence-based care
The role of nutrition, psychology & family-based approaches
When pharmacotherapy, including GLP-1RAs, or bariatric surgery may be appropriate
Workforce readiness and evolving models of care

Who Should Attend

Professionals involved in youth health — including GPs, paediatricians, dietitians, psychologists, nurses, pharmacists, surgeons, public health and policy.

Program Details:

Youth Obesity: Seeing the Whole Picture

An overview of the complex drivers of youth obesity, highlighting medical, psychological, social, and developmental factors — and why effective care must look beyond weight alone.

Prof Louise Baur - AM PresAHMS - Internationally Recognised Paediatrician
Susan Smith - Senior Clinical Psychologist
Mary-Kate Inkster - Paediatric Dietitian
Kelly Cooper - Non-Restrictive Eating Dietitian
Dr Simone Craig - GP & lecturer in Doctors in Secondary School Program.

Influences Everywhere: Social Media & Environment

A deep dive into how digital platforms, food environments, and societal pressures shape behaviours and health — and what clinicians can do to support young people navigating these forces.

Jane Collins - Nurse Practitioner & past Community Program Co-ordinator
Dr Caroline de Moel-Mandel - Researcher La Trobe University
Kelly Cooper - Non-Restrictive Eating Dietitian

Comparing Interventions & Tailoring Care

An evidence-based look at nutrition, psychological approaches, pharmacotherapy and surgery, exploring how to match the right interventions to the needs, readiness, and safety considerations of each young person.

Dr Catherine Bacus - Metabolic GP Specialist
A/Prof Ahmad Aly - Head of Upper GI Surgery at Austin Health
Susan Smith - Senior Clinical Psychologist
Mary-Kate Inkster - Paediatric Dietitian

Safe Pathways Forward: Eating Disorders, the Future & Practical Solutions

Research outcomes for eating disorder considerations, strategies to manage common barriers and preparation for emerging treatments to ensure young people receive safe, person-centred support into the future.