About Us - History and Goals

Established in 1986, EASO aims to promote research into obesity, facilitate contact between individuals and organisations, and promote action that tackles the epidemic of obesity.

EASO Objects and Goals

EASO is now a leading biomedical association in Europe with networks in 30 countries.  It plays a major role in EU/WHO projects, has dynamic and active Task Forces, organises educational activities throughout the region and hosts the annual European Congress on Obesity (ECO)

The current objects of EASO are:

  • To promote the preservation and protection of health and relief of sickness  for the public benefit in the field of obesity and its related disorders
  • To promote research, the dissemination of the results of such research and exchange of scientific information in the field of obesity within Europe
  • To develop a deeper understanding of how to achieve and maintain a healthy bodyweight, and to manage and prevent obesity and its related conditions  by those engaged in the study of obesity – healthcare professionals, health related organisations, governments and the European community

EASO’s Task Forces, covering Childhood Obesity (COTF), Obesity Management (OMTF) and Prevention and Public Health (PTF), are now very active.

The Task Forces reflect the goals of EASO:

  • Enhancing understanding and treatment of obesity across Europe
  • Improving the quality of obesity education in Europe
  • Developing a coherent approach to obesity management throughout Europe
  • Forging European and global links between individuals and organisations concerned with the study of obesity
  • Connecting active researchers from diverse disciplines who contribute to the development of a European perspective on obesity
  • Providing optimal input at the international level from this European perspective

The Development of EASO

EASO was established in 1986 as an individual membership association and was originally governed by an Executive Committee and Council (General Assembly).  EASO’s founding bylaws stated that the aims of the Association were ‘to encourage and support research in the field of obesity and related fundamental and clinical investigations, the rapid diffusion of acquired knowledge and to facilitate its application.  The membership embraces all those with biomedical and scientific qualifications.  It plans to hold scientific meetings in Europe and study groups as appropriate’.

EASO founding Executive Committee:

President: Per Björntorp (Sweden)
Vice President:  Trevor Silverstone (UK)
Secretary:  Arnold Gries (Germany)
Treasurer: Bernard Jeanrenaud (Switzerland)

EASO founding Council:

Gerald Ailhaud (France)
Teis Anderson (Denmark)
Margaret Ashwell (UK)
Michael Berger (Germany)
Per Björntorp (Sweden)
Hillel Blondheim (Israel)
John Blundell (UK)
Michael Cawthorne (UK)
Gaetano Crepaldi (Italy)
Hans Ditschuneit (Germany)
Arnold Gries (Germany)
Bernard Guy-Grand (France)
J G A J Hautvast (Netherlands)
Bernard Jeanrenaud (Switzerland)
Marcelle Lavau (France)
Pierre Lefebvre (Belgium)
Trevor Silverstone (UK)

 

A Brief History of EASO

1986:         

The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) was established as an individual membership association

The founding aims of the Association were ‘to encourage and support research in the field of obesity and related fundamental and clinical investigations, the rapid diffusion of acquired knowledge and to facilitate its application. It plans to hold scientific meetings in Europe and study groups as appropriate’.

The founding President of EASO was Per Björntorp (Sweden)

1993:         

EASO was registered as a non-profit organisation in Paris, France

1995:          

EASO introduced awards for scientific excellence:

  • the Friedrich Wassermann Award for senior scientists demonstrating a long standing contribution to the field
  • the Young Investigator Awards for Basic Science and For Clinical Research aimed at rising stars in Europe

1998:         

The EASO General Council fundamentally amended the EASO bylaws, changing it from an individual member association to a country member association (similar to a federation). 

2001:         

EASO established three scientific Task Forces on

  • Childhood Obesity
  • Obesity Management
  • Prevention and Public Health

2005:         

EASO was registered, following General Council approval, as a charity in the UK (England & Wales).  The General Council also agreed to divide EASO into three regions (North, Middle, South) and appointed three Regional Vice Presidents to the Executive Committee.

2009:          

EASO established its own Administrative Office.

2010:

EASO established its Scientific Advisory Board.

2011:

EASO enters into formal relations with the WHO Regional Office for Europe.