The 9th International Conference on Obesity, NIDDM, Adipogenesis and Insulin Resistance was held between 3rd and 5th April, 2000 in London, UK. The three day conference was attended by more than 100 delegates from both academic and industrial institutions. Conference topics covered the use of genetics in obesity and diabetes, etiology and implications of treatment for obesity, progress in identification of new obesity and Type 2 diabetes drug targets, islet cell targets, progress in drugs for insulin enhancement and sensitisation, adipogenesis and insulin resistance. Below are meeting highlights closely related to new drug developments and drug target identification in these therapeutic areas.