Nutrition and weight issues discussed at global event

A recent symposium held in Barcelona, saw 130 veterinary surgeons from around the world concentrate on the issue of obesity in pets.

Hill's Global Symposium on Obesity shared the latest research and opinions using cutting edge scientific presentations with delegates under the title "How to make less more".

It addressed the fact that obesity remains the most prevalent illness in dogs and cats, but that vets still struggle to convince owners of its seriousness.

The symposium also covered the reasons why owners who do understand the consequences of obesity sometimes are unsuccessful at helping their pet lose weight.

For example, owners can become easily disheartened if weight-loss programmes fail or if a pet immediately gains weight once they've completed a programme.

Tackling the issues above, the symposium highlighted new research that shows how nutrigenomics can be used to deal with obesity, as found with Hill's Prescription Diet Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution food.

Studies have found that the food can successfully alter the gene expression of overweight cats and dogs, to represent that of a lean animal. Furthermore, it resulted in the weight loss of 88 per cent of 314 animals in a trial.

Hein Meyer, director of professional and veterinary affairs at Hill's Pet Nutrition, said: "At Hill's, we have always been keen to encourage discussion about pet obesity - a problem that is quite literally growing around the world."

Delegates were encourages to consider obesity from all angles at the symposium, with talks from specialists including Dr Alex German, Dr Angela Witzel, Dr Kelly Swanson and Dr Marjorie Chandler.

"As many of the presentations here have explained," continued Mr Meyer, "it is so much more than a cosmetic issue and by discussing current thinking with vets who are on the front line in the war on obesity, we can help facilitate a healthier future for pets across the globe."