Reflections from the ESPEN 2025 Congress in Prague – ECGI Reporter
- secretariat012
- Oct 21
- 2 min read
Authors: Esra Çataltepe & Silvia Bellés
Affillitions: University of Health Sciences Konya Beyhekim Training and Research Hospital & Hospital Clinic Barcelona
From September 6th to 9th, in the historic city of Prague, we had the opportunity to attend as ECGI reporters to the 47th Congress on Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, organized by ESPEN (European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism). The congress brought together experts from all over the world and from different disciplines, creating a rich platform for sharing research, clinical experience, and future directions in the fields of nutrition and metabolism.
The programme was broad and multidisciplinary, with sessions ranging from basic research on metabolism to practical strategies for nutrition support in hospitals, rehabilitation, and community care. Sessions addressed not only hospital care but also healthy aging, community interventions, and the integration of nutrition into long-term strategies for managing chronic diseases.
A strong emphasis was placed on personalized approaches, recognizing that nutritional needs differ with age, health status, and comorbidities. This was reflected in discussions on protein intake, obesity management, and long-term care strategies, highlighting the central role of nutrition in resilience and independence. Throughout the congress, we also followed several key lectures with great interest. On September 13th, Prof. Hervé Quintard spoke about The Role of Ketones as Nutritional Substrates, where we learned how ketone bodies can protect against oxidative stress in neocortical neurons and may even alleviate ischemic brain injuries. We also explored Optimal Nutrition for Healthy Ageing with Prof. Mai-Lis Hellenius, and the importance of Preventing Immune System Decline due to inflammageing, highlighted by Prof. Philip Calder, emphasizing the benefits of a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables that supports a healthy gut microbiota. On September 14th, the best ESPEN abstracts were presented, alongside a wide range of posters covering innovative topics, including the use of AI tools to enhance nutritional interventions in patient care. On September 15th, the focus shifted to Obesity and Sarcopenia, discussing how preserving physical performance requires resistance exercise training, higher protein intakes, and caloric restriction; concluding the day with the GLIM 5-Year Update and insights on future challenges delivered by Prof. Tommy Cederholm. Finally, on September 16th, sessions addressed critical issues such as Polypharmacy and Malnutrition in older people, highlighting the role of deprescribing in improving nutritional status, and concluded with the presentation of the new ESPEN guidelines.
Beyond the lectures, ESPEN 2025 was also an opportunity to meet colleagues, exchange experiences, and strengthen collaborations. The atmosphere in Prague, with its historic charm and welcoming energy, added to the enriching experience.
In summary, ESPEN 2025 reaffirmed the vital role of clinical nutrition in promoting health, preventing disease, and supporting healthy aging. For all of us working in geriatrics and beyond, the message was clear: nutrition matters at every stage of life, and collaboration across disciplines is key to progress.
Next ESPEN Congress will be held in Berlin, Germany, between 05-08 September 2026, so save the date for not missing this chance to learn, share, and connect.
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