SKLON Association in Slovakia took part in the 46th Annual Conference of the Slovak Society of General Practice (SSVPL), held on 16 and 17 October 2025 in Horný Smokovec. The invitation came from the leadership of SSVPL, reflecting growing interest in practical, patient-focused approaches to prevention and obesity care in primary care settings.
SKLON’s contribution focused on supporting general practitioners with tools they can use in everyday practice. The aim was to strengthen prevention, promote healthy lifestyles and encourage a true partnership between doctors and patients in outpatient clinics.
In the Golden Lounge, Dr Hana Vrabcová led a two-day workshop titled “The patient in the spotlight – from body analysis to mental balance.” The sessions combined practical demonstrations with discussion and reflection. Participants were offered a free body composition analysis using the INBody 120 device, along with individual guidance, supported by Ms Jamerneggová from the SKLON Association.
During the workshop, Hana presented the Slovak translation of the World Health Organization’s Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour, prepared as part of a project linked to World Obesity Day 2025. The publication attracted strong interest from attendees and is now available on the SKLON website.
The programme also explored how physical activity can be supported within a general practitioner’s office, including examples of simple, realistic approaches. Dr Vrabcová shared educational tools used by doctors in countries such as France, Germany, England and the United States, alongside a proposed model adapted for use in Slovakia.
A key focus was the role of body composition analysis in obesity management and how BIA measurements can support better understanding and follow-up in clinical care. The workshop also introduced the latest EASO definition of obesity and highlighted how obesity affects the health of both men and women.
The final part of the workshop addressed obesity stigma in healthcare. Dr Vrabcová spoke about the impact of stigma in medical settings and the importance of trust, respect and self-confidence in the doctor–patient relationship. Tools such as the Flower of Self-Confidence and the Casita House were used to support empathy and understanding.
Practical elements were woven throughout the sessions, including demonstrations of foods with added sugar, examples of a balanced and healthy plate, and clear infographics on topics such as exercise for heart and liver health and how stigma develops.
The response from conference participants was very positive. Many expressed interest in bringing the SKLON workshop to other healthcare settings across Slovakia, underlining the demand for practical, compassionate and evidence-based approaches to obesity and lifestyle care in primary practice.
