This course is included in the NUTRITION 2026 Obesity Collection.

This session will highlight emerging leaders advancing innovative approaches to the prevention and management of childhood obesity. Presented by the ASN Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Flemming Quaade Emerging Investigator Session recognizes outstanding early-career investigators whose work is shaping the future of pediatric obesity research and care.

The program will feature the 2026 Flemming Quaade Emerging Investigator Lecture by Dr. Rachel C. Whooten, as well as a research update from the inaugural 2025 award recipient Dr. Andrew Agbaje, highlighting scientific progress and impact since receiving the award. A concluding conversation and audience Q&A with both awardees will explore emerging trends, ongoing challenges, and future directions in childhood obesity research, prevention, and clinical management.

Originally presented at NUTRITION 2026, ASN's flagship meeting which was held July 25-28 in National Harbor, MD

Speakers

Rachel Whooten, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics; Clinical Director, Pediatric Endocrinology
Massachusetts General Hospital for Children

Andrew Agbaje, MD, MPH, PhD, FACC, FESC, FAHA, FNYAM
Associate Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Child Health
University of Eastern Finland

Additional Speakers

Arne Astrup, MD, DMSc
Independent Consultant; Boards of Directors and Scientific Advisory Boards, Founding Editor-in-Chief, Obesity Reviews

Ana Palacios, MD, PhD 
Assistant Professor
Georgia Southern University