Dr Jaime Ponce assumes Presidency of IFSO

Dr Jaime Ponce has officially assumed the presidency of the International Federation for the Surgery and Other Therapies for Obesity (IFSO) during the closing ceremony of the XXIX IFSO World Congress in Toronto.

Ponce received the leadership of the Federation from outgoing President, Dr Khaled Gawdat of Egypt, whom he recognised for his dedicated service and important contributions to IFSO and the global obesity-care community.

"It is a tremendous honour to serve as President of IFSO," said Ponce. "I am deeply grateful to Dr Khaled Gawdat for his leadership and commitment to our Federation. I look forward to building upon his work and collaborating with our Executive Board, national societies, healthcare professionals, patients and partners worldwide."

He stated that his presidential vision is to strengthen IFSO as the global home for comprehensive obesity care by integrating metabolic and bariatric surgery, obesity medicine, bariatric endoscopy, and integrated health into a coordinated, evidence-based and lifelong model of treatment.

"Obesity is a serious, chronic, and progressive disease that cannot be addressed with a single therapy," he said. "Lifestyle interventions, obesity management medications, endoscopic therapies, and metabolic and bariatric surgery should work together to provide the right treatment for the right patient at the right time."

His priorities will include advancing research and education, developing practical tools and consensus guidance, expanding global training, promoting combination therapies, improving equitable access to treatment, and reducing obesity stigma through accurate and compassionate public education.

"Our Federation must evolve with the science and the changing needs of our patients," he added. "By working together across specialties, professions, societies, and regions, we can improve outcomes and place obesity care at the top of the global health agenda."

Ponce brings more than 25 years of experience in metabolic and bariatric surgery, obesity medicine, research, education, and international leadership. He previously served as President of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the IFSO North American Chapter.

The International Federation for the Surgery and Other Therapies for Obesity is a global scientific organization dedicated to advancing clinical care, research, education, training, collaboration, and international standards for obesity treatment.