Workshop – Shaping Metabolic Health: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, Prebiotics, and the Gut–Brain Axis

Day 1

10:00 - Welcome breakfast & registration
10:30 - Welcome & opening remarks

Session 1 - Gut-Derived Signals in Metabolic Health: From GLP-1 Biology to Prebiotic Modulation

This session examines how prebiotics and gut metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, shape metabolic health through the gut–brain axis. Talks will highlight how prebiotic modulation can influence GLP-1 signaling, satiety, and appetite control, with implications for obesity and diabetes management. Overall, the session will showcase emerging strategies that leverage targeted prebiotic interventions to improve metabolic outcomes.

• 10:45 - Prof. Gary Frost, Imperial College London - Understanding the relationship between Prebiotics, gastrointestinal environment and GLP-1  release and physiology
• 11:15 - Prof. Patrice Cani, UCLouvain - Targeting the gut microbiota with prebiotics to modulate endogenous GLP-1: from bench to bedside
• 11:45 - Dr. Harriet Schellekens, University College Cork - Beyond GLP-1 Agonists: Microbiota-Driven Modulation of Satiety and Metabolic Health Across the Lifespan

12:15 - Coffee break

Session 2 - From Gut to Brain: Nutritional Modulation of Cognition, Mood, and Eating Behavior

This session explores how nutrition and gut–brain signaling shape cognition, mood, and eating behavior. It will examine both the lived experience of drug treatment and the emerging cognitive and mental health effects of GLP-1–based therapies, moving beyond weight loss to consider broader psychological outcomes.

• 12:45 - Dr. Francesca Cirulli, Prof. Suzanne Dickson (ECNP) - ECNP Network presentation
• 12:55 - Kelly Dowson, F!S Group - From Prescription to Reality: What Consumers Really Experience on GLP-1 Medication
• 13:25 - Prof. Elisabet Jerlhag, University of Gothenburg - Gut-brain axis and alcohol
• 13:55 -Prof. Riccardo De Giorgi, University of Oxford - Promises & pitfalls of GLP-1RAs in cognitive and mental disorders: evidence and perspectives

14:25 - Lunch and networking
15:45 - World Café Discussion: participants rotate between themed tables to discuss emerging topics, key challenges, and the next steps of the future of metabolic health.
17:15 - Wrap-up and Day 1 reflections
17:30 - Networking drink

Day 2

9:00 - Welcome to Day 2 & recap of Day 1
9:05 - Debrief: key points emerging from the World Café Discussions

Session 3 - GLP-1 Innovation in Clinical Reality

This session will spotlight how GLP-1–based therapies are reshaping day-to-day clinical practice. The discussion will revolve around real-world use, including benefits, risks, and practical challenges such as access, adherence, and long-term management. The session will offer an up-to-date view of “what’s really happening” with GLP-1 in clinics and with patients.

• 10:00 - Prof Giles Yeo, Wolfson College - University of Cambridge -  In a world of GLP1 therapies, have we cured obesity?

10:30 - Coffee break

• 11:00 - TBA - TBA

11:30 - Panel discussion: bridging all sessions
12:30 - Closing: summary and future outlook
13:00 - End of the workshop

The full programme will be announced soon!