Gijs Goossens in science programme Focus (NPO2) on obesity

The number of people living with overweight and obesity continues to rise. Obesity is a chronic, complex disease that is associated with an increased risk of developing other chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and various types of cancer.

 Gijs Goossens explains the importance of adipose tissue, how obesity may result in adipose tissue dysfunction and how this in turn contributes to the development of obesity-related complications. Also that we need to look beyond the Body Mass Index (BMI), and why body weight maintenance following weight loss is difficult, and people often regain weight over time. The obesity stigma is also discussed - Goossens emphasizes that obesity is certainly not always the result of eating too much and exercising too little ('your own fault') - as well as the most recent developments and availability of obesity medication, and when these can be used in the treatment of obesity.

Watch the broadcast (in Dutch) here