Theme: The Obesity Challenge: Bridging Science and Solutions for a Healthier Future
Sustainable Developmental Goals addressed: SDG 3 and SDG 4
Organized by: Department of Biochemistry, KVG Medical College & Hospital, Sullia
Occasion: As a part of the Silver Jubilee Celebration
Date: 30th May 2026, Saturday
Time: 08:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Venue: Auditorium, KVG Medical College & Hospital, Sullia
1. Introduction & Registration
The State Level Continuing Medical Education (CME) program on “The Obesity Challenge: Bridging Science and Solutions for a Healthier Future” was successfully organized by the Department of Biochemistry at KVG Medical College & Hospital, Sullia, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s ongoing Silver Jubilee Celebrations.
The event commenced at 08:30 AM with the registration process. The CME attracted a diverse group of participants, including faculty members, postgraduate students, and PhD scholars from various medical institutions.
Lighting of the Lamp: The formal function was traditionally inaugurated by the dignitaries on the dais through the lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the pursuit of knowledge.
Address by the Dean: Dr. Neelambikai Natarajan, Dean of KVGMC&H, delivered an insightful address, highlighting the institutional vision, the relevance of the CME’s theme in contemporary healthcare, and congratulating the department for conducting the CME on the Silver Jubilee milestone.
Presidential Address: The presidential address by Dr. K V Chidananda, President of AOLE and Medical Director, KVGMC&H underscored the strategic importance of collaborative research, bridging scientific insights with clinical practices to tackle global health issues like obesity.
Vote of Thanks: The formal inaugural function concluded with a gracious vote of thanks by Dr. Shruthi Rai P, Organising Secretary of CME and Professor of Biochemistry, KVGMC&H.
1. Scientific Sessions (CME Lectures)
The technical part of the CME featured seven highly enriching scientific sessions led by eminent experts in the field. Session 1 : 09:45 AM – 10:30 AM Topic : The Obesity Epidemic: Understanding the Global Health Threat
Speaker : Dr. Animesh Jain, Professor, Department of Community Medicine, KMC Mangalore.
Chairpersons : The session was chaired by Dr. Dinesh P V, Professor & head of Community Medicine, Kerala Medical College and
Dr. Navya B N, Professor of Pathology, KVGMC&H, Sullia
Overview: Dr. Jain set the stage by addressing the epidemiological data, shifting paradigms, and public health challenges posed by the rising global trends of obesity.
Session 2: 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Topic : Molecular Insights into Obesity: From Genes to Metabolism
Speaker : Dr. Arjun Asok, Assistant Professor, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal.
Chairpersons : The session was chaired by Dr. Yashodhar P Bhandary, Professor, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore
Dr. Namratha K G, Professor of Microbiology, KVGMC&H, Sullia
Overview : This session delved into the genetic predispositions, biochemical pathways, and metabolic alterations that trigger and sustain obesity at a cellular level.
Session 3: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Topic : Obesity and its Health Consequences: A Clinical Perspective
Speaker : Dr. Sarfaraz Jamal, Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine, KVGMC&H, Sullia.
Chairpersons : The session was chaired by Dr. Ranjith K B, Professor of General Surgery, KVGMC&H and Dr. Preethiraj Ballal, Associate Professor of Respiratory Medicine, KVGMC&H, Sullia.
Overview : The speaker highlighted the clinical comorbidities associated with obesity, ranging from cardiovascular diseases to insulin resistance, emphasizing early clinical intervention.
Session 4: 12:15 PM – 01:00 PM
Topic : Shaping a Healthier Future: Addressing Childhood Obesity
Speaker : Dr. Seema Pavaman S, Professor & Head of Paediatrics, KSHEMA, Mangalore.
Chairpersons : The session was chaired by Dr. K Subrahmanya Bhat, Professor of Microbiology, KVGMC&H and Dr. Rajani, Consultant Paediatrician, Government Hospital, Sullia.
Overview : Focusing on paediatric demographics, this session discussed the alarming rise of childhood obesity, its long-term psychological and physical impacts, and preventive strategies.
Session 5: 01:45 PM – 02:30 PM
Topic : Eating Right and Living Healthy: Nutritional Strategies for Obesity Control
Speaker : Dr. Asha B., Professor, Department of Community Medicine, SSIMSRC, Davanagere.
Chairpersons : The session was chaired by Dr. Cariyappa, Professor & Head of Biochemistry, Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Srinidhi Rai, Professor & Head of Biochemistry, KS Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore.
Overview : This scientific session cantered on actionable solutions, discussing evidence-based nutritional modifications, lifestyle interventions, and sustainable dietary habits to combat obesity.
Session 6: 02:30 PM – 03:15 PM
Topic : Obesity in Women’s Health
Speaker : Dr. Geetha J. Doppa, Professor & Head, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KVG Medical College & Hospital, Sullia.
Chairpersons : The session was chaired by Dr. Anil Baipadithaya, Professor of Department of OBG, KVGMC&H and Dr. Puneeth A, Associate Professor of Biochemistry, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore.
Overview : Dr. Doppa provided an essential presentation addressing the unique physiological impact of obesity on women, spanning reproductive health, hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, now called PMOS), and maternal-fetal outcome.
Session 7: 03:15 PM – 04:00 PM
Topic : Cytokines, Obesity and Respiratory Health: A Complex Interaction
Speaker : Dr. Yashodhar P. Bhandary, Professor & Deputy Director, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya University, Mangalore.
Chairpersons : The session was chaired by Dr. Shivashankar, Professor of Biochemistry, Father Mullers Medical College, Mangalore and Dr. Anirudh Katipalla, Assistant Professor of Respiratory Medicine, KVGMC&H, Sullia.
Overview : This advanced bench-to-bedside talk mapped the low-grade chronic inflammation associated with obesity, focusing specifically on how dysregulated inflammatory cytokines compromise alveolar homeostasis and accelerate chronic lung injuries.
Poster Competition:
Dr. Puneeth A, Associate Professor of Biochemistry, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore who was the judge of the poster with slogan competition, organised as a part of CME announced the winners and runners of the poster competition.
Conclusion
The CME concluded with an interactive Q&A session where participants engaged with the speakers to clarify doubts. Certificates of participation were distributed to the delegates. The event proved to be a resounding success, successfully bridging basic metabolic sciences with practical clinical and nutritional solutions to address the contemporary crisis of obesity.
Organizing Committee:
Dr. Shivarajashankara Y. M, Professor and Head of Biochemistry – Organizing Chairman
Dr. Shruthi Rai P, Professor of Biochemistry – Organizing Secretary
Sudhakar T J – Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry
Prajna R H – Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry
Sharath M Bhat – Senior Resident, Department of Biochemistry
Namita N Kashyap – Senior Resident, Department of Biochemistry
Rakesh Gowda – Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry
