Greetings from the COPTER team!
We are thrilled to announce the establishment of the Center for Obesity Prevention, Treatment, Education, and Research (COPTER) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU). Our dedicated faculty has worked diligently to create a professional and comprehensive approach to combat obesity, addressing the prevalent health challenges in Lebanon and contributing to global efforts in this domain.
Importantly, COPTER was founded within the framework of the Erasmus+ ICARE project (Interprofessional Student-run Primary CARE Clinics: A University–Enterprise Knowledge Triangle Cooperation Approach, Project Code 618674-EPP-1-2020-1-SE-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP). This initiative strengthens COPTER’s role as both a university–enterprise center and a web-platform, fostering interprofessional collaboration, experiential learning, and knowledge exchange in the fields of health and obesity prevention.
The Center provides a multidimensional approach to combating obesity and offers a professional setting on NDU’s campus. This setting serves NDU staff, faculty members, and students, and will expand to support the wider community in the future. Our committed team of qualified faculty members delivers trustworthy medical-nutrition therapy, helping individuals achieve their health goals while providing ongoing support.
Obesity-related health conditions are among the leading causes of preventable premature death worldwide, costing billions of dollars annually. In Lebanon, almost two-thirds (67.3%) of the population struggles with excess weight (WHO, 2014). Furthermore, our previous studies have indicated high rates of overweight and obesity among NDU students (40%) and staff (64%).
COPTER’s mission is to empower individuals to lead healthier lives, transform communities through comprehensive obesity interventions, and contribute to groundbreaking research. Our growing team will include physicians, dietitians, physical trainers, and psychotherapists.
As its name suggests, COPTER focuses on prevention, treatment, education, and research, while actively engaging with the community. Below is an overview of our planned activities:
Prevention:
Developing and implementing obesity-prevention programs for various age groups, with a focus on healthy eating habits and physical activity.
Treatment:
Providing clinical services through a multidisciplinary approach, including medical and behavioral interventions to manage and reduce weight.
Education:
Raising awareness about the causes, consequences, and prevention of obesity through community outreach, workshops, and educational resources.
Research:
Conducting innovative studies to deepen our understanding of the physiological, psychological, and societal factors influencing obesity.
Community Engagement:
Establishing a supportive community through events, support groups, and online platforms that encourage open dialogue and shared knowledge.
COPTER’s ultimate goal is to reduce the prevalence of obesity, improve the health of affected individuals, and contribute to a broader understanding of this complex health issue. We remain committed to addressing the challenges of obesity and fostering a healthier, more informed, and supportive community.
Thank you for your support as we embark on this important journey together.
Antoine Aoun, MD, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of COPTER
NDU Physician for Students