Inaugural lecture Prof. dr. Gijs H. Goossens

"Obesitas: Kijk verder dan de kilo’s"

Obesity acts as a gateway to many other chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, liver and kidney diseases, and type 2 diabetes. Inter-individual variation in the causes and consequences of obesity, as well as biological adaptations underlying weight regain after initial weight loss, complicate the prevention and treatment of obesity and related health problems. Using a translational research approach, my team therefore investigates the biological mechanisms that underlie the development of cardiometabolic complications and the response to (lifestyle) interventions, and the differences that exist between individuals with obesity.

In my inaugural lecture, I explain why we must move beyond body weight, beyond the Body Mass Index (BMI), when diagnosing and treating obesity. Body fat distribution and the extent to which the adipose tissue still functions properly impacts glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as chronic low-grade inflammation, in people with obesity, and therefore largely determines the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. A better understanding of the underlying biological impairments, which may differ between individuals with obesity, will contribute to the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies, tailored to specific subgroups of the population.

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