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The Armenian Association of Obesity Prevention is bringing together international medical experts and regional physicians for a groundbreaking two-day Master Class on the therapeutic revolution reshaping how doctors treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The conference, "GLP-1 and Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: From Science to Practice," will take place April 10-11, 2026, at the Best Western Plus Congress Hotel in Yerevan, marking one of the region's most comprehensive educational events focused exclusively on incretin-based therapies.
GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists represent what many consider the most significant advancement in metabolic medicine in decades. These medications, which include widely discussed treatments like semaglutide and tirzepatide, have demonstrated the ability to achieve weight loss outcomes of 12-22% in clinical trials, with tirzepatide showing the highest efficacy at approximately 20-22%, approaching but not fully matching the weight loss typically seen with bariatric surgery, which achieves 20-30% total weight loss.
"We're witnessing a paradigm shift in how we approach metabolic disease," explains the founder of the Armenian Association of Obesity Prevention Dr. Haykanush Hambardzumyan. "These medications represent a major therapeutic advance. While they may not fully replace bariatric surgery for all patients, they're offering substantial, clinically meaningful weight loss along with cardiovascular and kidney protection - benefits that extend well beyond glucose control."
Beyond weight loss, clinical research has demonstrated these therapies provide significant cardiovascular protection, reducing major adverse cardiovascular events including heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death. They also slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, reducing the risk of kidney failure and related complications. Emerging evidence suggests potential benefits for conditions including metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (fatty liver disease), sleep apnea, and chronic inflammation.
While GLP-1 therapies have captured public attention worldwide, a significant gap remains between the controlled environment of clinical trials and real-world medical practice. This Master Class aims to close that gap by providing physicians with practical, actionable expertise.
"Patients are already asking their doctors about these medications," notes the organising committee. "The question isn't whether these therapies will become standard practice—they already are in many parts of the world. The question is whether physicians across our region will have the training and confidence to use them effectively."
The conference will address critical practical challenges physicians face: identifying ideal candidates for therapy, managing side effects, optimizing dose titration, combining GLP-1 medications with other treatments, and navigating cost and access barriers specific to regional healthcare systems.
The Master Class brings together internationally recognised experts who have treated thousands of patients with incretin-based therapies. Faculty members will share insights from cutting-edge research alongside real-world clinical experience, providing attendees with both theoretical foundations and practical protocols.
"Medicine is increasingly global, but implementation is always local," the organizers emphasize. "We're creating a forum where international best practices meet regional realities."
To ensure accessibility for all participants, the entire conference will be conducted in English with simultaneous Russian interpretation.
Unlike traditional medical conferences dominated by lectures, this Master Class emphasises interaction and practical application. The program includes:
Case-based discussions examining real patient scenarios
Interactive Q&A sessions with expert faculty
Small group problem-solving focused on implementation challenges
Protocol development workshops for immediate clinical application
"We're not just transmitting information," explains the organizing committee. "We're developing clinical judgment. There's a difference between knowing what a medication does and knowing when and how to use it with your specific patient population."
The Master Class is fully accredited for continuing medical education credits, allowing participants to fulfill professional development requirements while acquiring cutting-edge clinical skills.
The conference is designed for endocrinologists, diabetologists, cardiologists, nephrologists, obesity medicine specialists, and general practitioners managing patients with metabolic disorders.
The timing of this Master Class reflects the rapid evolution of the field. New GLP-1 and dual agonist formulations continue emerging, indications are expanding beyond diabetes and obesity, and research is revealing benefits that extend far beyond glucose control and weight loss.
"Five years from now, competency in prescribing incretin-based therapies will be as fundamental for physicians managing metabolic disease as competency in prescribing insulin is today," the organizers predict. "This conference provides an opportunity to get ahead of that curve."
The organizing committee also notes the broader implications for public health across the region, where rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes have been rising steadily. Effective implementation of evidence-based obesity treatments could significantly impact population health outcomes.
Early registration numbers suggest strong interest from physicians across the target region. The organizing committee anticipates reaching capacity well before the event date and recommends early registration.
"We're seeing registration from physicians in diverse specialties, which reflects the broad applicability of these therapies," notes the committee. "Obesity and metabolic disease don't respect specialty boundaries, and neither should the solutions."
Beyond the immediate educational impact, organizers hope the Master Class will catalyze ongoing collaboration among regional physicians working in metabolic medicine.
"Our vision extends beyond two days in April," the committee explains. "We're building a community of practice—physicians who can learn from each other, share successes and challenges, and ultimately provide better care for patients across our region."
The Armenian Association of Obesity Prevention plans to leverage insights from this inaugural Master Class to develop additional educational programming addressing the evolving landscape of metabolic medicine.
Physicians interested in attending can register and find additional information at www.aop.am/conference. The organizing committee encourages early registration due to limited seating capacity.
For media inquiries or additional information, contact: Armenian Association of Obesity Prevention [Contact details]
The Armenian Association of Obesity Prevention is dedicated to advancing the prevention and treatment of obesity through education, research, and advocacy. The organization brings together healthcare professionals, researchers, and public health experts committed to addressing the growing challenge of obesity and related metabolic disorders in Armenia and the broader region.
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