On Friday, October 11, 2024, Ellen Buijnink and Natasja Wijling from the Dutch Association for Overweight and Obesity (NVOO) had the privilege of attending the inaugural lecture of Professor Gijs Goossens, newly appointed as Professor of Cardiometabolic Physiology of Obesity.
Representing the NVOO, the two advocates were present as Professor Goossens presented his lecture, Look Beyond Body Weight, which emphasised the importance of understanding obesity beyond just body weight and recognising the complex, underlying factors impacting cardiometabolic health.
The lecture highlighted insights that NVOO plans to incorporate into its advocacy and educational work. Professor Goossens, who has long supported NVOO’s work and values their role in patient representation, commended their ongoing efforts, strengthening the collaborative bond between research and patient advocacy.
Professor Goossens previously organized the 2022 Obesity Congress in Maastricht, underscoring his dedication to advancing research and patient support in the field. For Ellen and Natasja, being present at this significant moment was a fitting tribute to his achievements and shared mission of advancing compassionate, comprehensive obesity care.