Canadian Obesity Network

Canadian Obesity Network

The Canadian Obesity Network-Réseau Canadien en l’Obésité (CON-RCO) is the primary Canadian network of obesity researchers, health professionals and others with a professional interest in obesity. In Canada, like in many other parts of the world, obesity funding, research, prevention and treatment strategies remain uncoordinated in a fragmented population of players. CON-RCO aims to be Canada's leading professional organization dedicated to addressing the obesity epidemic. The Network was launched in March 2006 at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, with funding from the Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada]. In April 2007 the 2006 Canadian clinical practice guidelines on the management and prevention of obesity in adults and children were published. In August 2007, CON moved to the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta In 2009 the Network had over 3500 registered members and in 2012 it currently includes over 6500 registered members. The network is a registered not-for-profit corporation.

The Scientific Director and founding member Dr. Arya M. Sharma, holds a Chair in Obesity Research and Management at the University of Alberta.

CON-RCO Mission: To reduce the burden of obesity on Canadians by linking obesity researchers with health professionals, policy makers and other stakeholders to foster knowledge translation, capacity building and partnerships.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:
1) Knowledge Translation: To promote exchanges between researchers, health professionals, policy makers and other stakeholders that yield innovative and effective obesity prevention and treatment solutions.
2) Capacity Building: To increase interdisciplinary capacity among future obesity researchers and health professionals in Canada.
3) Networking/Partnerships: To create national and international partnerships across sectors to translate research, build capacity and generate solutions to fight the obesity epidemic.