The delegation included Dr. Ulrike Poller, Head of Directorate 32 - Prevention, Disease Control, Dr. Theda Wessel, Head of Division 325 (Child and Adolescent Medicine) at the Federal Ministry of Health, and Dr. Babett Gläser, Head of Division 4 (Research) at the SMWK. Discussions focused on how innovative obesity and metabolic research can contribute to more effective prevention strategies from early life onward.
The visit began with an introduction to Helmholtz Munich and its scientific mission by Dr. Michael Frieser. Administrative Managing Director, followed by an overview of HI-MAG’s research activities presented by institute director Prof. Matthias Blüher.
HI-MAG is a joint initiative of Helmholtz Munich, Leipzig University and University of Leipzig Medical Center. Its research focuses on understanding how adipose tissue dysfunction leads to metabolic and vascular diseases. Through its translational bench-to-bedside approach, HI-MAG combines fundamental research with clinical studies across all stages of life. The institute’s goal is not only to develop new therapeutic concepts for people living with obesity but also to identify opportunities for prevention early in life.
“HI-MAG demonstrates the great value of strong scientific partnerships. Together with Leipzig University and University of Leipzig Medical Center, we are able to advance outstanding research that addresses major health challenges and creates new opportunities for prevention and treatment,” said Dr. Michael Frieser.
A key highlight of the program was a presentation by Prof. Antje Körner, Head of Childhood Obesity and Metabolic Research at HI-MAG. She shared recent findings on metabolic complications in children with obesity and emphasized the importance of early intervention.
“We need to consider and address the origins of diseases such as obesity already in childhood. Understanding metabolic changes in childhood is essential if we want to reduce the burden of obesity-related diseases later in life,” said Prof. Körner.
Further presentations showcased HI-MAG’s vascular research and ongoing clinical studies investigating preventive approaches that could reduce the risk of metabolic diseases in children and adolescents. The presentations also highlighted the importance of longitudinal cohorts.
“Addressing complex questions in obesity and metabolic research requires access to well-characterized cohorts across the entire lifespan such as LIFE Child,” said Dr. Babett Gläser. “Long-term cohort studies provide an invaluable foundation for understanding disease development and identifying risk factors at an early stage.” The delegation also toured through the Clinical Trial Unit to learn more about the different clinical projects and visited HI-MAG’s metabolic chambers, a unique research facility that allows scientists to precisely study energy metabolism in both adults and children.
“The research presented at HI-MAG demonstrates how scientific excellence can contribute to addressing one of the most significant public health challenges of our time. What impressed me most is the institute’s long-term perspective: understanding disease mechanisms early, identifying individuals at risk, and developing concepts that enable prevention before illness occurs.” – Dr. Ulrike Poller
Prof. Matthias Blüher emphasized: “Our vision should be to prevent disease rather than treat its consequences. By identifying risk factors early and intervening at the right time, we have the opportunity to improve long-term health outcomes for future generations.”
The visit highlighted the importance of close exchange between science and policymakers to translate scientific discoveries into effective prevention strategies. Research at HI-MAG can help to pave the way toward a future in which prevention begins earlier, is more targeted, and ultimately more effective.
