JEDDAH: The seventh annual conference of the Saudi Society of Obesity Medicine and Surgery opened on Wednesday under the patronage of Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, governor of Jeddah. With over 100 speakers participating, the three-day conference features a lineup of scientific sessions and workshops. These include updates on therapeutic nutrition and psychological diseases associated with obesity, a nursing training workshop for newcomers to obesity surgeries, a specialized workshop for doctors on corrective operations, and a session on the latest minimally invasive obesity treatments such as balloons and stomach stapling. An exhibition showcasing modern medical devices used in obesity treatment will accompany the conference. Dr. Esam Salem Batayyah, president of the conference, emphasized the event’s goal to discuss the latest scientific and practical developments in obesity medicine and surgery. The aim is to present the most recent global research and studies with the participation of doctors and specialists in obesity medicine, surgery, therapeutic nutrition, and behavioral therapy. Prof. Ayedh Dabsan Al-Qahtani, president of SASMBS, said the conference is timely as obesity has become a global pandemic, claiming over 2.8 million lives annually, according to the World Health Organization. SASMBS, affiliated with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, is working to address weight and obesity issues. The association provides support, resources, and scientific services to health practitioners, while collaborating with related health authorities to establish specialized education and awareness centers.