This meeting focused on the recent developments in the fields of adipogensis and insulin resistance. In particular, the molecular mechanisms presented were those that are likely to be relevant as drug discovery targets for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. New compounds included the LIFR antagonist, hLIF05, and LG- 100641, a selective antagonist of PPARgamma but with insulin sensitizing actions in adipocytes. The small insulin sensitizers discussed were CLX-0901, isolated from plant extracts and currently in phase I clinical trials, TLK-17411, a small synthetic compound and S-15261, which increases insulin sensitivity.