Welcome Message

Dear colleagues, friends, and distinguished guests,

It is my great pleasure and honor to welcome you all to ICOMES 2025, hosted by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity (KSSO). This year’s congress is held under the theme, “Lifelong Journey for Fighting Obesity: From Cradle to Grave,” underscoring our collective commitment to addressing obesity as a chronic, multifaceted disease that affects individuals throughout the entire life course.

Obesity is no longer confined to a particular age group or region; it has become a global epidemic, impacting individuals from infancy to old age. The growing burden of obesity-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders, demands a comprehensive, lifespan-oriented strategy. In response, this year’s congress presents cutting-edge research, clinical innovations, and public health perspectives aimed at preventing and treating obesity across the entire lifespan from early developmental origins to geriatric care.

ICOMES 2025 brings together a distinguished group of thought leaders in obesity research and care from Korea and around the world. We are particularly proud to present a series of symposia addressing critical issues such as pediatric obesity, metabolic and mental health, nutritional and exercise interventions, metabolic surgery, and emerging pharmacotherapies including GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual incretin agonists. The program also features a dedicated basic science session highlighting recent advances in obesity research, as well as sessions exploring the expanding roles of digital health technologies and big data in obesity management.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the KSSO’s Obesity Fact Sheet, a significant milestone that highlights our commitment to evidence-based policy and clinical guidance. In addition, joint symposium with the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) and The Obesity Society (TOS) reflect our ongoing efforts to strengthen international collaboration and advance global obesity science.

The congress also shines a spotlight on rising investigators, with special sessions for early-career researchers and a wide array of oral and poster presentations from around the world. We are especially honored to host distinguished Plenary Lecturers Dr. Steven E. Kahn, Dr. Phil Zeitler, and Dr. George A. Brooks as well as Keynote Speakers Dr. Scott M. Sternson and Dr. Young-Bum Kim, who will share their pioneering insights into the pathophysiology and treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders. Their participation underscores the scientific excellence and global reach of ICOMES 2025.

On behalf of the KSSO, I extend my deepest gratitude to all our speakers, organizing committee members, sponsors, and participants. Your engagement and contributions form the foundation of this congress and are vital to the continued advancement of our field.

We hope that ICOMES 2025 will be a truly enriching and inspiring experience for all. May it spark new ideas, foster lasting collaborations, and strengthen our shared resolve to overcome obesity across the human lifespan.

Thank you once again, and welcome to ICOMES 2025.

Warm regards,

Min-Seon Kim, M.D., Ph.D.
President, Korean Society for the Study of Obesity