Breakthrough Findings from Dokuz Eylul University at ECO 2026

New research unveiled at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2026) in Istanbul highlights striking differences in how obesity manifests health risks in men and women across Europe. Led by Dr. Zeynep Pekel from Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine in Izmir, Turkey, the study reveals that while both sexes face elevated cardiometabolic dangers, the profiles diverge significantly: men show pronounced metabolic and liver stress, whereas women exhibit heightened inflammation and dyslipidemia.

This cross-sectional analysis of 1,134 obese adults underscores the need for sex-tailored interventions, challenging one-size-fits-all approaches to obesity management. As European universities like Dokuz Eylul drive such insights, they position themselves at the forefront of personalized medicine research.

The Obesity Landscape in Europe: A Growing Public Health Challenge

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in Europe, with the World Health Organization reporting that 59% of adults are overweight or obese. Projections indicate further rises, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, where prevalence could exceed 30% by 2030 in some nations. This surge correlates with increased cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome—a cluster affecting 1.54 billion adults globally in 2023, with one in three women and one in four men impacted.

European academic institutions are pivotal in tackling this crisis. Funded by initiatives like the €80 million OBEClust cluster, universities collaborate on prevention strategies, from biological mechanisms to public health policies. Dokuz Eylul University's contribution exemplifies how targeted research from regional hubs informs continent-wide strategies.

Study Design and Methodology: A Rigorous Approach

Conducted between 2024 and 2025 at Dokuz Eylul's Obesity Clinic, the study enrolled 886 women (mean age 45 years) and 248 men (mean age 41 years), all with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²). Participants underwent comprehensive assessments: anthropometrics (height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure), lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides), glycemic markers (fasting glucose), liver/kidney function (ALT, GGT, creatinine), and inflammation indicators (hsCRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], white blood cells, platelets).

Bioelectrical impedance analysis quantified fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI), enabling nuanced phenotyping beyond BMI. Statistical comparisons used t-tests and multivariate adjustments, revealing patterns independent of age and BMI.

Sex-Specific Metabolic Profiles: Men at Higher Visceral and Hepatic Risk

Men displayed greater central obesity (waist circumference 120 cm vs. 108 cm in women) and BMI (37.5 vs. 36 kg/m²), alongside elevated systolic blood pressure (128 vs. 122 mmHg). Critically, liver enzymes were markedly higher (ALT and GGT), signaling non-alcoholic fatty liver disease risk, common in metabolically unhealthy obesity. Triglycerides and creatinine levels also rose, pointing to dyslipidemia and renal strain.

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT), measured indirectly via waist metrics, drives insulin resistance and atherosclerosis in men, aligning with broader European data where male VAT correlates strongly with type 2 diabetes incidence.

Inflammatory and Dyslipidemic Burden in Women

Women showed superior lipid profiles in HDL but elevated total cholesterol (215 vs. 203 mg/dL) and LDL (130 vs. 123 mg/dL). Inflammation dominated: higher hsCRP, ESR, and platelet counts suggest chronic low-grade inflammation fueling atherosclerosis and diabetes.

This phenotype echoes findings from UK Biobank analyses, where female obesity links to proinflammatory adipokines. In Europe, women comprise 60% of metabolic syndrome cases, amplifying cardiovascular risks post-menopause.

Photo by Krists Luhaers on Unsplash

Biological Underpinnings: Hormones, Fat Distribution, and Immunity

Sex hormones explain variances: estrogen promotes subcutaneous fat in women (less toxic), while androgens favor VAT in men. Post-menopause, estrogen decline heightens female inflammation. X-chromosome immunity genes amplify women's CRP responses. European studies confirm: men 2x liver fat risk, women 1.5x dyslipidemia.

Dokuz Eylul's work builds on phenotypes like metabolically healthy obesity (MHO, 10-30% obese), rarer in aging Europeans.

Comparative Context: Aligning with Pan-European Research

Similar to SOPHIA project (EU-funded), classifying obesity subtypes via biomarkers. Verona's BMI study (also ECO 2026) notes 34% misclassification. EASO phenotypes (MHO, MUO) show sex-dimorphism: 20% more MHO women. Turkish data mirrors UK/Scandinavian trends, validating generalizability.

Clinical and Policy Implications for European Healthcare

Sex-stratified screening (DEXA for VAT, CRP panels) could optimize interventions: men need hepatoprotective diets/statins, women anti-inflammatories/GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide. EU policies (Horizon Europe) fund trials; universities train specialists.

Reduces €100B+ annual obesity costs.

Universities Driving Innovation: Dokuz Eylul and Beyond

Dokuz Eylul exemplifies Turkey's rise in obesity research, with EU partnerships. Pan-European hubs (Cambridge, Karolinska) secure ERC grants (€2.5M+). Careers abound: PhDs in phenomics, postdocs in trials.WHO European Obesity Portal highlights academic leadership.

Future Directions: From Phenotypes to Personalized Therapies

Prospective cohorts, genetics (polygenic scores), AI modeling next. ECO 2026 signals shift to sex-aware guidelines. European universities gear for Horizon 2027 funding, fostering interdisciplinary talent.

Photo by Krists Luhaers on Unsplash

• Larger multi-ethnic studies validate findings.
• Longitudinal tracking predicts outcomes.
• Trials test sex-specific GLP-1, SGLT2 inhibitors.
• Policy integrates phenotyping in national health services.

Opportunities in Obesity Research Careers

Europe's €80M+ investments create roles: epidemiologists at Verona, clinicians at Dokuz Eylul. Higher ed jobs in metabolic phenotyping surge 15% yearly.