Welcome Message

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

On behalf of the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity (KSSO), it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 International Congress on Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (ICOMES 2026), which will be held on September 3-5, in Seoul, Korea.

This year's congress is organized under the theme, "Shaping the Future of Obesity Care: Innovative Science & Optimal Treatment." As obesity continues to emerge as one of the greatest global health challenges of our time, advances in basic science, translational research, digital technology, and novel therapeutics are rapidly transforming the way we understand and manage this complex chronic disease. ICOMES 2026 aims to provide an international platform where scientists, clinicians, and healthcare professionals can exchange the latest discoveries and work together to shape the future of obesity prevention and treatment.

We are particularly delighted that the Asia-Pacific Diabetes and Obesity Study Group (APDO) will hold its scientific meeting jointly with ICOMES over two full days this year. This partnership represents an important milestone in strengthening scientific collaboration throughout the Asia-Pacific region and will provide an exceptional opportunity to discuss emerging research, regional challenges, and future strategies for diabetes and obesity care.

Continuing our tradition of global collaboration, ICOMES 2026 will feature joint symposia with The Obesity Society (TOS), the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), and the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity (JASSO). In addition, the congress will present an outstanding series of Plenary Lectures delivered by internationally renowned leaders, including Susanne Mandrup, Samuel Klein, Jennifer Baker and Vanita R. Aroda, as well as a Keynote Lecture by Kohjiro Ueki. Through their pioneering contributions, these distinguished speakers have advanced our understanding of obesity biology, metabolic regulation, precision medicine, and innovative therapeutic strategies. Together with the joint symposia, these plenary and keynote sessions will provide invaluable insights into the latest scientific breakthroughs while fostering meaningful international collaboration that will shape the future of obesity research and clinical practice.

ICOMES has steadily grown into one of the leading international obesity congresses by bringing together distinguished investigators and healthcare professionals from around the world. This year's scientific program has been carefully designed to cover the entire spectrum of obesity research—from molecular mechanisms and multi-organ metabolic regulation to precision therapeutics, real-world evidence, and patient-centered care. We believe that these discussions will inspire new ideas, stimulate future collaborations, and ultimately improve the lives of people living with obesity.

Beyond the scientific program, we hope you will enjoy the vibrant city of Seoul, where rich cultural heritage harmoniously blends with cutting-edge innovation. We sincerely hope that your experience at ICOMES 2026 will be scientifically rewarding, professionally inspiring, and personally memorable.

Thank you for joining us. We look forward to welcoming you to Seoul and sharing an exciting and productive congress with all of you.

Sincerely,