A New Era in Nutrition: Weight-Loss Injections, Artificial Intelligence and Personalized Health Take Center Stage

The 15th National Healthy Living Congress, organized in collaboration between Acıbadem Üniversitesi and the Gastroenterology Dietitians Association, hosted current scientific developments in nutrition and health over four days. With 801 participants, the congress featured 15 panels, 3 conferences, 6 satellite symposiums and 1 course, while experts from across Turkey evaluated future nutrition models.

Weight-loss injections used in obesity treatment, intestinal microbiota, artificial intelligence-supported nutrition applications and personalized health approaches were among the prominent topics of the 15th National Healthy Living Congress held at Acıbadem Üniversitesi. Scientific data shared at the congress revealed that nutrition science is entering a new era centered on digitalization and personalization.

"Nutrition is now more than just weight control"
Congress President Prof. Dr. Murat Baş, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Acıbadem Üniversitesi and Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, drew attention to the rapidly expanding scope of nutrition science, stating:

"Today we know that nutrition is not only related to weight control; it is directly linked to many areas of human health from intestinal health to mental health, from genetic makeup to the aging process. The studies shared at the congress clearly demonstrate that nutrition science is entering a new era."

Weight-loss injections show promise but are not sufficient alone
One of the most heavily attended sessions at the congress was on medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, popularly referred to as "weight-loss injections".

Prof. Dr. Murat Baş emphasized that these medications have become an important option in obesity treatment, but that nutrition and lifestyle changes are essential for lasting success.

"Risks such as muscle loss, protein deficiency and weight regain after treatment should be carefully monitored. The most important factor determining the success of these treatments remains proper dietary habits," he said.

The congress also addressed current research on the use of these medications in children and adolescents, with experts noting the need for more scientific data on long-term effects.

Intestinal health affects mood
Another prominent topic in the scientific sessions was intestinal microbiota. It was noted that current research demonstrates that intestinal flora plays an important role not only in the digestive system but also in immunity, metabolism and mental health.

Prof. Dr. Murat Baş stated: "Our intestines are no longer evaluated solely as a part of the digestive system. There is strong scientific evidence regarding the effects of microbiota on psychological health."

The era of one-size-fits-all diets is ending
At the congress, it was emphasized that personalized nutrition approaches in line with developments in genetics and epigenetics will increasingly take place in healthcare services.

According to experts, in the future, personalized nutrition programs will be created by jointly evaluating individuals' genetic makeup, intestinal microbiota, sleep patterns, physical activity levels and metabolic characteristics.

Artificial intelligence is transforming nutrition counseling
Artificial intelligence-supported nutrition applications and digital health technologies were also among the congress's noteworthy topics. Experts pointed out that wearable technologies and smart health applications will analyze individuals' dietary habits in real time and offer personalized recommendations.

Prof. Dr. Murat Baş stated: "Nutrition is now about more than what we eat. Multiple disciplines from genetics to artificial intelligence, from microbiota to longevity strategies are working together. The future of healthy living will be shaped by personalized and data-driven approaches."

The future of healthy living lies in personalized health
Scientific data shared at the congress showed that in the coming years personalized nutrition applications, artificial intelligence-supported health technologies and microbiota-based approaches will be more widely used in healthcare services. According to experts, nutrition science is entering a new era in which digital technologies and biological data are evaluated together.