Q: Welcome to ECO 2026 Volkan – we know you are thrilled to host everyone here in Istanbul!
A: I would like to welcome you all to ECO 2026, that is taking place in my beautiful hometown, Istanbul. It is a very exciting moment for me because it is the second time in 15 years Istanbul is hosting an ECO. I was the host congress chair the first time around, and I am the EASO chair for the second. It is a real pleasure, because Istanbul will be bridging not only east and west, but also north and south, sharing the latest science and evidence including developments across global obesity communities.
Q: You have now completed two successful years as EASO President. What have been some of the highlights of your term?
There are many important developments, so it is difficult to highlight only one or two. Perhaps I may group them into several key areas!
Organisational development:
EASO is now a federation representing 40 member associations across the WHO European Region. By the end of my presidency, I hope that every country within our geography will have established its own national obesity society.
Publications and scientific leadership:
The publication of Algorithm 2.0, “The Framework for the Pharmacological Treatment of Obesity and its Complications” represents a landmark achievement for EASO. Continuing to update the framework annually and present new evidence at ECO has become an especially exciting and important part of our work.
Policy and advocacy:
EASO has officially supported the launch of an obesity interest group within the European Parliament and has contributed to a growing number of high-level policy discussions across Europe. We are launching a Policy Ambassador programme to support national members interested in developing stronger skills and involvement in the local, national and regional policy landscape.
At the same time, many countries have established their own patient organisations and are now represented within ECPO, an independent organisation focused on patient advocacy.
Education and teaching:
EASO Masterclasses and COMs training continue to expand both in number and scope, and include recent programmes developed specifically for primary care health professionals.
Early Career Network (ECN):
The ECN is flourishing and now represents over 1200 students and professionals. EASO member associations are now establishing ECN groups and are participating actively in ECN initiatives. Collaboration with early career networks across our sister societies in Europe and internationally has become a tremendous strength and benefit for the wider obesity community.
Q: And what would you like to achieve in your third and final year as President?
A: When my presidency began, I identified my central legacy goal as strengthening the capacity of our member societies across the core pillars of research, education, and policy. My hope is that member associations will increasingly look to EASO’s structure, activities, and collaborative approach as a model for advancing obesity science, care, and advocacy within their own countries. This is reflected in the growing range of EASO-led educational and scientific initiatives delivered across Europe, including teaching activities for many different professional disciplines involved in obesity research and obesity management. At the same time, EASO is working closely with member societies to strengthen their national policy and advocacy efforts, supporting more effective engagement with governments, health systems, and wider stakeholders at local, regional and national levels.
Q: What are some of the sessions you would like to pop into? Although we know you don’t have much time for that!
Well you know how busy we all are at ECO! The scientific programme at ECO is shaping up to be one of our strongest congresses in recent years, reflecting the rapid evolution of obesity science, and obesity management medications, but also implementation science and policy.
One of the key sessions in the Congress is the Opening Plenary featuring Sadaf Farooqi, recipient of the 2026 EASO–NNF Obesity Prize for Excellence. Her plenary lecture, Beyond Willpower: the Biological Basis of Weight Regulation, will draw a large audience given her seminal work on the genetics and neurobiology of obesity and the regulation of appetite. I will co-chair that session.
The T4 Topic session on Wednesday the 13th on the EASO Algorithm 2.0, “The Framework for the Pharmacological Treatment of Obesity and its Complications” will be very popular, but I am chairing another session at that time and will miss this one! The new Algorithm is a landmark achievement for EASO. Also the growing positioning of obesity as a gateway disease within cardiometabolic medicine has led to interesting sessions and attracts clinicians from obesity medicine, cardiology, endocrinology, and internal medicine, particularly given the expanding evidence around obesity management improving cardiovascular outcomes.
Q: You are an expert on Istanbul. Please give us three tips for things we cannot miss while we are here.
A: First of all, Istanbul sits at the cradle of history so don't miss it, experience it while you’re here. Delegates attending will have the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most vibrant cities, including iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque and the Bosphorus waterfront district, rooftop dining and traditional markets and Baazars. Istanbul offers exceptional food and cultural experiences, and opportunities to enjoy wonderful Turkish cuisine and lively evening social settings alongside the Congress programme.
Thanks, Volkan and enjoy this, your home ECO!
