UCLH professor receives OBE in Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours list

A UCLH professor has received an OBE in the Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours list.

Professor Rachel Batterham is a world leading expert on obesity whose work has revolutionised our understanding of the causes of obesity, leading to new treatments; and whose public policy work is improving the lives of millions of people while giving a voice to people living with obesity. She is an articulate global ambassador for people affected by obesity, committed to changing the stigmatising narrative that surrounds obesity.

She has established weight management services, led the development of national and international obesity treatment guidelines, educated healthcare professionals, policy makers and the public and established a nationwide charity for people living with obesity. 

Rachel said: “I am incredibly humbled, privileged and honoured to receive this award. Developing and implementing new treatments for obesity is a team effort and I would like to pay tribute to all the brilliant scientists and clinicians, and most of all the inspirational people living with obesity that I’ve worked with over the years.”

“There is still much to be done and I remain totally committed to changing the stigmatising narrative that surrounds obesity to one that reflects current scientific and medical knowledge and ensuring equitable access to evidence-based treatments for obesity.”

Geoff Bellingan, medical director, surgery and cancer, said: “We are really proud of Rachel and what she has achieved.

“So many people have benefitted from her work, whether that is through her research or her commitment to remove the stigma around obesity globally.

“This is an exceptionally well deserved honour and I am sure all of UCLH will join me in congratulating her.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “This historic Platinum Jubilee is not only a celebration of the monarch but of the qualities she possesses. The honours she confers this week reflect many of those qualities that have been invaluable from all different walks of life and to communities across the UK.

“I pay tribute to all of this year’s winners. Their stories of courage and compassion are an inspiration to us all.”