Oct 7, 2003 00:01 ET

Latest Advances in Obesity Research and Treatment to Be Presented at Largest Obesity Conference in North America

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, October 11-15, 2003

WHAT: The North American Association for the Study of Obesity (NAASO)

2003 Annual Scientific Meeting. Jointly sponsored by the
American Diabetes Association, the NAASO meeting provides a
forum for bringing together many of the best obesity experts
and investigators in the world.

Sessions will be presented in four thematic tracks:

* Molecular Regulation and Animal Genetics
* Integrative Biology
* Clinical Intervention
* Population Studies

WHY: The prevalence of obesity in North America has doubled in the
last 20 years. Obesity is the second leading preventable cause

of death in America and accounts for more than 300,000 deaths
per year. The health care costs associated with obesity are
estimated at $61 billion annually, which will continue to
increase as more Americans develop expensive, life-long
obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes. More than
1,800 leading scientists and clinicians from around the world
will share cutting-edge research and insights regarding the
causes of the obesity pandemic, as well as possible prevention
and treatment strategies, from behavior to pharmacotherapy to
surgical intervention.

WHERE: Broward County Convention Center, Room #222
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

RSVP: Complimentary registration is available for credentialed
members of the media in the News Room (Room 222). The News
Room will be open Saturday, October 11 from 10am - 5pm; Sunday-
Tuesday from 8am - 5pm; and Wednesday from 8am-10am. The
Scientific Sessions are open to all registered media. For more

information or for media materials, contact 703-549-1500, ext
5510 or 954-765-5405 (October 11-15).


CONTACT: On-site News Room, October 11-15, +1-954-765-5405; or Diane Tuncer of the American Diabetes Association Communications Dept., +1-703-299-5510.


PRNewswire -- Oct. 7


Source: North American Association for the Study of Obesity

Web site: http://www.diabetes.org/