Special Interview with Prof. Arya M. Sharma: Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences & Founder of Obesity Canada

On February 17, 2025, the Editorial Office of Mini-invasive Surgery (MIS, ISSN: 2574-1225) had the honor of interviewing Prof. Arya M. Sharma, Professor Emeritus at the University of Alberta; Global Obesity Thought Leader; Strategic Consultant for business, research, and education.

Below are the details of the interview:

Q1. Personal Journey & Professional Experience

As the founder of Obesity Canada and a key figure in shaping obesity management strategies, what are some of the most significant advancements you’ve seen in the field over the past two decades?

Q2. Clinical Diagnostic Criteria for Obesity

You mentioned that the current definition of "morbid obesity" lacks widespread clinical validation and relies too heavily on epidemiological data rather than individualized clinical assessments. Do you think that the clinical diagnosis of obesity should go beyond BMI as a single criterion? If so, what new diagnostic standards could more accurately reflect an individual's health risks and guide treatment decisions?

Q3. The Necessity of a Comprehensive Treatment Strategy

As an expert in obesity management, how do you view the interaction between current obesity treatments (including behavioral interventions, pharmacotherapy, and surgical treatments)? Do you believe there is a need for a more comprehensive strategy in the future to optimize long-term treatment outcomes, particularly in terms of the synergistic effects of different treatment approaches? In such a comprehensive treatment strategy, how should bariatric surgery play its unique role?

Q4. The Future of Obesity Science & Policy

With emerging technologies, such as digital health tools and AI-driven interventions, how do you see the future of obesity management evolving?

Q5. Personal Insights & Advice

What’s next for you in your professional journey? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about?

Profile:

Prof. Arya M. Sharma

Professor Emeritus of Medicine & Past-Chair in Obesity Research and Management, University of Alberta, Canada.

Past-Clinical Co-Chair, Alberta Health Services Obesity Program.

Prof. Sharma is a renowned expert in obesity research and management. He is the founder and former Scientific Director of Obesity Canada (formerly Canadian Obesity Network) and a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

Prof. Sharma's career includes prestigious roles such as Professor of Medicine and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) at McMaster University, and Professor of Medicine at the Franz-Volhard Klinik – Charité, Humboldt University Berlin. His research is focused on the evidence-based prevention and management of obesity and its related complications.

He has authored over 500 scientific publications and is frequently invited to speak on obesity and its connection to cardiovascular health. Dr. Sharma is an established media figure, regularly featured as an expert in national and international TV and print media, and maintains an influential blog on obesity (www.drsharma.ca).

Currently, he resides in Berlin, where he works as an independent consultant in medicine, research, and education for various non-profit and for-profit organizations.

Editor: Ivy Wang
Language Editor: Emma Chen
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office Mini-invasive Surgery