معرفی
Professor John Wilding is a leading academic in obesity and diabetes research at the University of Liverpool, where he has served as Professor of Medicine since 2005. He leads Clinical Research into Obesity, Diabetes and Endocrinology, directing specialist services for severe obesity at University Hospital Aintree – designated a Centre for Obesity Management by UK and European Associations. His leadership extends to chairing the NIHR Clinical Research Network Metabolic and Endocrine Speciality Group and contributing to NICE guidelines.
His educational background includes graduation from Southampton University (1985), followed by clinical training and specialist diabetes/endocrinology training at London's Royal Postgraduate Medical School at Hammersmith Hospital, where he conducted three years of laboratory research on obesity neurobiology.
Wilding's research focuses on developing novel treatments to reduce obesity-related disease burden, with expertise spanning:
- Clinical trials in obesity/diabetes (orlistat, sibutramine, GLP-1 analogues, SGLT2 inhibitors)
- Adipocyte biology and metabolism studies
- Functional neuroimaging of appetite regulation
- Autonomic nervous system assessment in metabolic disorders
- Non-invasive vascular measurements in insulin-resistant states
His 15 most recent publications (2021-2025) reveal strong trends in GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide), obesity pharmacotherapy in special populations (elderly, non-diabetic), clinical guideline development, and economic burden analysis. Key themes include cardiovascular safety, real-world implementation of weight management services, and mechanistic studies of metabolic complications.
Scientific recognition includes:
- Founding Fellow of International Obesity Taskforce (2004)
- Past Chair of UK Association for the Study of Obesity
- Immediate Past President of World Obesity Federation
As an academic leader, Wilding has examined over 15 PhD/MD theses across UK institutions (Imperial College, Cambridge, Manchester), secured major grants from NIHR, MRC, and industry partners, and established Liverpool's first NHS-funded obesity service (now expanded regionally). His collaborative network spans neurology, cardiology, respiratory medicine, and psychology. Current major projects include PROGROUP (group obesity treatment), STRIVE (liraglutide in obesity services), and M3 Research Programme (early-onset type 2 diabetes).
His research infrastructure includes a clinical investigation laboratory at Aintree Clinical Sciences Centre, featuring capabilities for hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamps, indirect calorimetry, autonomic function testing, and body composition analysis – supporting both mechanistic studies and clinical trials.
