About

Purpose of the Symposium

The purpose of this symposium is to critically examine obesity knowledge and stimulate discussion, debate and understanding of the multidimensional issues in the field of physical activity and obesity research. To this end we have brought together leading international researchers from the academic disciplines of epidemiology, physiology, biochemistry, psychology, law and sociology who share an abiding interest in obesity and physical activity.

Over three days, the keynote presentations, workshops and seminars will provide a seldom-available opportunity to consider familiar 'truths' about obesity, health and physical activity from a range of perspectives. The symposium is planned to maximize opportunities for intellectual exchange and to address in meaningful ways some of the on-going issues that colleagues across the globe share in relation to obesity-related research. The symposium is also designed to foster critical debate amongst researchers, health professionals, educators and the general public about both the productive possibilities for 'action' on contemporary obesity research and the consequences of foregrounding weight and/or size in health promotion practices.

Aims of the symposium

To showcase a variety of disciplinary perspectives on obesity, thereby expanding the available repertoires of knowledge that researchers and practitioners may draw on in their work.
To foster critical engagement with orthodox ideas about obesity among research and professional communities.
To identify key research priorities for physical activity and health.
To examine the effects of obesity knowledge on every day practices and dispositions of health professionals, young people and adults.
To provide professional development opportunities for practitioners working in clinical and non-clinical physical activity prescription settings.

Key note presenters

We are honoured to have the following revered Scholars provide the Symposium Keynote presentations:

Professor Steven Blair,
Professor of Exercise Science and Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina
Professor Michael Jensen,
Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Dr Jon McGavock,
Assistant Professor, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Professor Nanette Mutrie,
Professor of Exercise and Sport Psychology, Strathclyde University, UK
Professor Paul Campos,
Professor of Law, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Associate Professor Michael Gard,
School of Human Movement Studies, Charles Sturt University, Australia.