On Nov. 15, a first-ever collaborative symposium hosted by The Obesity Society (TOS) and the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity (KSSO) will pool knowledge for a global perspective on the most recent scientific literature and research about the cellular composition, endocrine function, and physiological roles of adipose tissue.

TOS/KSSO Collaborative Symposium: Unpacking Adipose Tissue – From Basic Biology to Precision Obesity Interventions takes place 10:30–11:30 am ET, at National Harbor 10-11 of the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

TOS President Jacqueline M. Stephens, PhD, FTOS, co-chairs the session with Min-Seon Kim, MD, PhD, professor in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Asan Medical Center in Seoul.

Dr. Stephens, a professor and director of the Adipocyte Biology Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical Research Center of Louisiana State University, will present “Fundamentals of Fat Cell Biology Can Guide Us in Precision Medicine for Treatment of Obesity.” She is followed by Sung Hee Choi, MD, PhD, chief professor of endocrinology and metabolism at Seoul National University College of Medicine & Bundang Hospital, who will present “Single-Cell Analysis of Human Visceral Adipose Tissue to Identify Pathophysiological Targets for Precision Obesity Interventions.”

Dr. Stephens noted that the event deepens the Society’s commitment to international dialogue and recognizes the field-changing global research that is defining the future of obesity medicine.

“South Korea’s research and clinical community has been driving real progress in obesity research,” Dr. Stephens said. “This is the first time that TOS has partnered with KSSO for a symposium, and it is a distinct honor to share the stage with one of their leading investigators.”

Focusing on the roles and differences of white, brown, and beige fat, the symposium will connect adipose biology to clinical care, including variability in treatment response and obesity-related complications. It will also examine emerging concepts such as adipose expandability and adipokine signaling and how these apply to patient phenotypes. Drawing on these insights, the symposium will supply attendees with strategies for precision obesity care using biomarkers, body composition, and targeted interventions.

A panel discussion and question-and-answer session will follow the presentations.

This symposium is one of nearly a dozen joint or collaborative sessions held at ObesityWeek 2026. To read more about these events and to find a list of planned joint and collaborative symposia, see the article “Joint and Collaborative Sessions: The Power of Multiple Lenses.”