Highlighting the Importance of a Holistic Approach to Obesity: Prof Donal O’Shea’s Inspiring TEDx Talk
13th November 2024
Professor Donal O’Shea, Clinical Director at St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) and Professor at UCD School of Medicine, has delivered a powerful TEDx talk titled Understanding Obesity. In this insightful talk, Prof. O’Shea explores the complex reality of obesity as a chronic disease and how emerging treatments have the potential to transform care and reshape perceptions.
Prof O’Shea begins with the story of Meg, a 56-year-old grandmother admitted to SVUH’s inpatient rehabilitation unit. Despite not losing weight after a rigorous six-week programme, her health and quality of life improved significantly—car transfers became easier, mobility was restored and her diabetes treatments were reduced. This eye-opening result underscores that the impact of obesity treatment goes far beyond the scale.
Throughout his career, he has witnessed an alarming 1200% rise in severe obesity rates, driven largely by a modern environment of overconsumption and inactivity. In his talk, he powerfully contrasts how prevention and treatment are misunderstood and highlights the influence of industries marketing to even the youngest consumers, steering public health in the wrong direction.
Prof. O’Shea explains the significant role the immune system, particularly Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, plays in obesity and how it impacts our body. His research shows that effective treatment must go beyond traditional advice of “eat less, move more.” He underscores the importance of new medications like GLP-1 analogues, which boost iNKT cell activity and support long-term weight loss.
However, as Prof O’Shea stresses, there is a societal barrier to overcome. The perception of these treatments is clouded by a “thin culture” narrative, leading to shortages that leave patients like Meg without access to transformative care.
His dedication, evidenced by over 250 published papers and his work advising the Health Service Executive and WHO Europe, is reshaping how we view and treat obesity.
We encourage you to watch Prof O’Shea’s full TEDx talk to understand how embracing new medical advances can not only save lives but also change them for the better.
Watch here:
Patient and Visitor Handbook
Our handbook contains all the important information you need when visiting our hospital whether you are a patient or a visitor.
- Travelling to and from the hospital
- Elective admission information
- Emergency Department attendance
- Patient safety information
- Information on what we will do to get you home
- Data protection
- Security information
- Infection control policy
- No smoking policy
- Visiting arrangements
- Daffodil Centre
- St. Vincent’s Foundation