Shropshire to host major diabetes and obesity conference

Shropshire is to host a leading healthcare conference on diabetes and obesity.

More than 250 health professionals are set to gather for the annual Severn Diabetes and Obesity Conference (SDOC) at the Wroxeter Hotel on Friday, September 25.

The conference, organised by Dr Probal K Moulik, consultant endocrinologist at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, will bring together health professionals from across the region to address the growing challenges posed by diabetes and obesity.

The event will be officially opened by Councillor Bernie Bentick, Mayor of Shrewsbury and councillor for the town’s Meole ward.

Local figures supplied by the conference organiser highlight the importance of the event.

They reveal that around 30,000 residents across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are diagnosed with diabetes and that 67 per cent of the county’s adults, more than 180,000 people, are overweight or living with obesity.

The figures also show that nearly one in three children leaving primary school are overweight or very overweight.

The organisers of the conference said diabetes and obesity are closely connected with wider inequalities, highlighting that obesity rates are approximately twice as high in the most deprived communities compared with the wealthiest.

They added that the challenges require coordinated action across healthcare, public health, social care, local government, community organisations and the media.

Councillor Bentick said: “As Mayor of Shrewsbury and retired consultant in gynaecology and reproductive medicine, I am delighted to support the Severn Diabetes and Obesity Conference and the important work being led by Dr Moulik and his colleagues.

“Diabetes and obesity affect thousands of individuals and families across our communities. These health issues are linked to wider challenges including low income, inequality, mental wellbeing and access to opportunities for healthy living.

“Addressing these issues requires a genuine partnership between healthcare services, local authorities, schools, voluntary organisations, community groups and residents themselves. Prevention, early diagnosis and healthier lifestyles must become a shared priority.

“I am particularly pleased that this conference will strengthen professional knowledge while encouraging a wider discussion about how we create healthier communities and reduce health inequalities across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

“I look forward to welcoming delegates and supporting efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of residents across our county.”

Dr Moulik said: “Diabetes and obesity are among the most significant health challenges facing our region and the country. The scale of the problem demands action not only within hospitals and clinics, but across society.

“The purpose of SDOC is to provide high-quality education for health professionals so they can deliver the very best care for people living with diabetes and obesity. However, education alone is not enough. We must also place much greater emphasis on prevention, reducing health inequalities and supporting healthier lifestyles.

“There are strong links between obesity, social deprivation and mental health. Tackling obesity and diabetes therefore requires a coordinated response involving healthcare providers, public health teams, local authorities, community organisations and the media.

“I am extremely grateful to Mayor Bernie Bentick for agreeing to inaugurate the conference and for his support in helping to bring together partners from across our communities. By working together, we can raise awareness, encourage earlier diagnosis and help prevent many people from developing serious long-term health conditions.”

Dr Moulik said he hopes the conference will act as a catalyst for wider discussions about prevention and health improvement across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.