Professor Donal O’Shea tells us that the arrival of new obesity treatments has the potential to transform the attitude to obesity as a chronic disease for the good. Qualified in medicine from University College Dublin in 1989 and then moved to Hammersmith Hospital in London. Completed research with Professor Sir Stephen Bloom on how the brain controls appetite. Moved to current position in 1999 establishing 2 hospital based multidisciplinary treatment teams for the management of adult obesity and gender dysphoria. Is a member of the Department of Health Policy group on obesity and chaired a group carrying out a health impact assessment on the potential benefits and harms of a tax on sugar sweetened drinks. Has presented the EU Ministers for Health and the Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the importance of prevention of childhood obesity. Has specific research interests in obesity and gender and has published over 250 research papers. He is currently the National lead for management of Obesity with the Health Service Executive and advisor to WHO Europe on prevention and treatment of obesity.