Liverpool pet obesity clinic marks 20 years as patients shed 2.7 tonnes
Referring practices receive full updates on cases, and all care is delivered in partnership with the primary vet
Register to get 1 free article
Reveal the article below by registering for our email newsletter.
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
The University of Liverpool’s Royal Canin Obesity Care Clinic has marked its 20th anniversary, reporting that pets treated at the service have lost a combined 2.7 tonnes since it opened in 2005.
The clinic, recently renamed to reflect Royal Canin’s continued support, is one of the world’s longest-running specialist centres for managing obesity in pets. It has overseen weight-loss programmes for 740 animals – 546 dogs and 196 cats – while contributing data to research on obesity, behaviour and nutrition.
Around half of UK pets are thought to be overweight or to have obesity, adding to the clinical burden faced by veterinary teams. The associated health risks include diabetes, arthritis, cardiac and respiratory issues, and reduced quality and length of life.
Story Stream: More on Liverpool
Patients are referred to the Liverpool clinic for assessment and intensive management that is rarely possible in general practice. The service offers blood and urine tests, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans to measure body fat, and detailed reports for referring practices. Follow-up sessions and subsidised weight-management care are also provided.
The clinic is led by professor Alex German and Georgia Woods-Lee. German said: “When we opened the clinic 20 years ago, our mission was to better understand why pets gain weight and how to support owners in achieving sustainable results. Each patient has helped refine our approach and advance the wider research field.
“Although we have made substantial progress, there is still more to uncover. We encourage veterinary professionals to refer complex obesity cases – especially where medical, behavioural or environmental factors are impeding progress.”
Dr Ian Williams, health affairs manager UK and Ireland at Royal Canin, added: “This 20-year milestone highlights the impact of our collaboration with the University of Liverpool. The clinic has generated evidence that continues to drive nutritional innovation and support clinical decision-making for veterinary teams globally. We are proud to partner with a service that remains at the forefront of tackling one of the most pressing health challenges facing pets today.”
Referring practices receive full updates on cases, and all care is delivered in partnership with the primary vet.
