Workshop Overview

"Lessons from Animal Models" is the first International Workshop on Animal Models in Weight Loss Surgery. We are pleased to host this exciting symposium here in Boston this October.

This workshop will bring together all of the research groups currently using animal models to explore the mechanisms of weight loss and improvement in diabetes after gastrointestinal surgery. Its purpose is to foster collaboration and disseminate these novel animal models broadly to interested investigators.

With the dramatic success of bariatric surgery to treat severe obesity and diabetes, many academic groups and companies have begun to explore less invasive means of achieving the same outcomes. Recent studies in humans and animal models have revealed that the effects of bariatric surgery are largely physiological rather than mechanical. These observations suggest numerous opportunities and targets for the development of novel laparoscopic, endoscopic, radiological and pharmacological therapies for obesity and its metabolic complications.

Current experts in animal models will be joined in the workshop by thought leaders in bariatric surgery and international leaders in the understanding of the gastrointestinal regulation of body weight and glucose metabolism. We have been fortunate in attracting the recognized leaders in surgery, physiology and animal models, and we are purposely keeping the workshop small to permit extensive interaction among participants.

We welcome participation by selected investigators and representatives from industry. Welcome to the first-ever Animal Models Workshop!