The University of Liverpool’s ROYAL CANIN® Obesity Care Clinic, recently renamed in recognition of Royal Canin’s ongoing support, is celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of pioneering clinical research and evidence-based weight management for overweight and obese pets.
Since opening in 2005 as the world’s first dedicated weight loss clinic for pets, the clinic has supported 740 patients – 546 dogs and 196 cats – resulting in an outstanding combined weight loss of 2.7 tonnes. That’s the equivalent of shedding the weight of an elephant!
Pet Obesity: A Growing Clinical Challenge
Approximately half of all UK pets are estimated to be overweight or to have obesity, and this rate is increasing. The associated health risks – including diabetes, arthritis, heart and breathing problems and lower quality of life and life expectancy – pose a meaningful welfare concern. These problems add complexity for veterinary teams trying to support owners managing their pet’s weight and wellbeing.
Crucially, every pet seen at the clinic contributes to ongoing research that helps shape national and international understanding of obesity, behaviour, nutrition and effective management protocols.
A Specialist, Research-Driven Approach to Weight Management
Veterinary teams can refer patients to the clinic for intensive, highly personalised care that is rarely feasible in general practice.
Each patient receives a comprehensive consultation and clinical assessment, including blood and urine tests and a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan to precisely measure body fat. Detailed reports will be sent to the referring vet practice and owners also benefit from regular follow-up sessions and access to a subsidised service covering all weight-related care.
Led by two experts in pet obesity, Professor Alex German and Georgia Woods-Lee, and supported by Royal Canin, the clinic remains one of the world’s most advanced centres for pet obesity management, combining clinical casework with robust scientific research.
Professor Alex German comments:
“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."