The Netherlands Association for the Study of Obesity (NASO) is a multidisciplinary association with the purpose to study, discuss, and disseminate all (basic) scientific and clinical aspects of overweight and obesity and associated complications. Our goal is to increase mutual exchange between members working in different fields of obesity research.
****
We had a great NASO Spring meeting on the 15th of April in Utrecht
Highlights:
The 2026 publication prize was awarded to Esther Kemper with paper on ‘Muscle and Liver Insulin Resistance Are Associated with Distinct Plasma Protein Profiles: Data from the DiOGenes Trial’
Keynote speaker Peter Weijs presented an overview of the impact of anti-obesity medications on both fat and lean mass loss. He also highlighted how, during calorie restriction, exercise and adequate protein intake can help preserve muscle mass and strength, supporting overall physical functioning. Finally, he shared new findings on how varying plant-to-animal protein ratios influence muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. Conclusion: lifestyle is key for maintaning healthy muscle mass and function.
Keynote speaker Eva Corpeleijn outlined how diet plays a greater role than physical activity in preventing childhood obesity. Already at very young age, dietary factors—such as overall diet quality, sugar-sweetened beverages, and ultra-processed foods—emerge as key drivers of childhood overweight. In contrast, physical activity showed no clear association with overweight development, both in the GECKO Drenthe cohort and in systematic reviews. Conclusion: start early and focus on diet.
Appointment of the Early Career Network committee:
NASO-ECN left-to-right: Eva Vanbrabant, Arty Kovynev, Jamie van der Vaart, LisanneArayess (absent), Jorrit van Uhm and Brent Berntzen (EASO-ECN).
Change of board:
President Eva Corpeleijn served NASO as Honorary Treasurer (2014–2020) and President (2020–2026). Evert van Schothorst has been elected President and previously served as Honorary Secretary (2020–2026). Joëlle Oosterman is appointed as Secretary. Wilrike Pasman (Treasurer, 2020–2026) will be succeeded by Emanuel Canfora (MUMC). Agnes Berendsen (WUR) is apointed as Sponsorship Officer. Welcome everyone!
****
For all our and your communication about obesity, we stimulate being respectful.
Use free non-stigmatizing pictures (here) and people-first language (here).
Since 2021 is has been acknowledged that obesity is a condition with biological and neuropsychological causes in interplay with the obesogenic environment and socio-economic context: “Obesity is a chronic relapsing disease, which in turn acts as a gateway to a range of other non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.” Obesity prevention | Knowledge for policy (europa.eu)