Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO)

Overview

The Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO) is a prominent charitable organization in the United Kingdom dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, and treatment of obesity. Founded in 1967, it was established as the "Obesity Association" under the chairmanship of Ian Mclean Baird with the goal of promoting research into obesity within the UK.

History

ASO was the first organization of its kind worldwide and has played a pivotal role in the international study of obesity. It organized its first Symposium on Obesity in London shortly after its inception and co-hosted the inaugural International Congress on Obesity (ICO) in 1974. The ASO was instrumental in founding the International Journal of Obesity, which first published in 1977.

The ASO is affiliated with both the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) and the World Obesity Federation, providing its members with automatic membership in these bodies. This affiliation enhances collaboration on a European and global scale to address obesity issues.

Mission and Objectives

The ASO's mission includes the pursuit of excellence in research and education related to obesity. Its key objectives are:

• Promoting Professional Awareness: Enhancing professional understanding of obesity and its health impacts.
• Education and Research Dissemination: Providing updates on research about the causes, consequences, treatment, and prevention of obesity.
• Opinion Leadership: Offering leadership in obesity issues within the UK.
• Collaboration and Networking: Facilitating connections among researchers, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders involved in obesity studies, and supporting patient and public involvement in obesity research.

Activities

The ASO hosts various events, including the UK Congress on Obesity (UKCO), to facilitate discussion and knowledge sharing among experts in the field. It also supports local network meetings across the UK to achieve its mission at the grassroots level.

Financial Overview

As of the financial year ending June 2023, the ASO reported a total income of £116,650, with total expenditures of £100,730. The organization relies on volunteer efforts, with no information available regarding employee benefits or trustee remuneration.

Geographic Scope

The ASO operates across the UK, including Northern Ireland and Scotland, focusing on advocacy, research, and information dissemination about obesity.

Membership

Membership is open to individuals involved in obesity research, healthcare, academia, and those with a specific interest in the field. Student membership is offered at a reduced annual fee to encourage participation among young researchers and scholars.

[1] https://www.worldobesity.org/our-network/our-members/association-for-the-study-of-obesity-aso [2] https://aso.org.uk/history-aso [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4002116 [4] https://aso.org.uk/contact-us [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4002116/what-who-how-where