Integria Practitioner Symposium 2026: The Incretin Revolution: Natural Medicine's Role in Forging Tomorrow’s Healthcare  

Presented by Practitioners, for Practitioners

We invite you to join us for our pinnacle educational event, the 2026 Integria Practitioner Symposium

The landscape of metabolic medicine is experiencing a revolutionary shift that extends far beyond weight loss. This Symposium takes a uniquely holistic perspective on the emerging research into GLP-1, GIP, and related incretin pathways, exploring their systemic benefits far beyond weight management, along with emerging treatment targets and the evolving role of Natural Medicine in this new therapeutic frontier. 

While GLP-1 receptor agonists entered clinical practice primarily for diabetes and obesity management, emerging research reveals a fascinating tapestry of therapeutic effects that touch nearly every system in the human body. From cardiovascular protection to neuroprotection, inflammatory modulation and respiratory health improvements, these incretin pathways are rewriting our understanding of metabolic-systemic connectivity. Importantly, these wide-ranging physiological effects stem not just from pharmaceutical interventions, but from the pathways themselves—opening exciting possibilities for herbal and nutritional medicine to influence these same mechanisms for better health outcomes. 

For natural healthcare practitioners, this represents both an unprecedented opportunity and a critical knowledge gap. As well as supporting patients already on medications, practitioners are uniquely positioned to play a front-line role in harnessing these pathways through natural interventions. As the science rapidly expands beyond current pharmaceutical approaches, understanding how to influence GLP-1, GIP, and related pathways through herbal and nutritional medicine becomes essential for comprehensive metabolic care. 

This Symposium addresses the practical challenges and opportunities for integrative care, examining how Natural Healthcare Practitioners can actively engage with these powerful metabolic pathways to deliver transformative health outcomes for their patients. 

Early Bird pricing ends 30 April 2026

VIP Live Stream available until 30 June 2026. Available for Australian residents only. 

 

Speakers 

Dr. Roger McIntyre: Pioneering the Brain-Body Connection in Mental Health 

Join internationally renowned psychiatrist Dr. Roger McIntyre, Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto and Head of the Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit at University Health Network, as he presents groundbreaking insights into how metabolic health transforms brain function. At Symposium Dr. McIntyre will explore his revolutionary concept that "obesity metastasizes to the brain." 

Discover the fascinating history of GLP-1 agonists—from Gila monster venom to breakthrough psychiatric therapeutics—and learn how GLP-1 activation in the brain modulates reward systems and cognitive function. Dr. McIntyre will reveal how these pathways reduce neuroinflammation, enhance neuroplasticity, and offer unprecedented promise for treating mood disorders, preventing neurodegeneration, and addressing systemic conditions that impact brain health. 

Dr McIntyre’s presentations offer a unique glimpse into the future of psychiatry, where metabolic interventions may fundamentally change how we prevent and treat mental illness across the lifespan. 

 

Dr Jacqueline Jacques: Bridging Natural Products and Obesity Care in the GLP-1 Era 

Dr Jacqueline Jacques, a Naturopathic Doctor and seasoned leader in the natural health industry, brings over two decades of experience spanning clinical nutrition, product innovation, and integrative medicine. As a Fellow of The Obesity Society, she is renowned for her ability to translate complex science into actionable health strategies. 

At Symposium, Dr Jacques will explore the intersection of natural ingredients and the rapidly evolving obesity treatment landscape—particularly the implications of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Drawing on her expertise in metabolic health and functional nutrition, she will unpack the myths and realities of “natural GLP-1” claims, discuss evidence-based roles for nutritional support, and highlight how Natural Healthcare Practitioners can meet the needs of this expanding population. Dr Jacques advocates for whole-person, patient-centred care, and combating stigma around obesity and its treatment. Her session will provide essential insights for clinicians now and into the future in this important space. 

 

Professor David Scott – Exploring Incretin Pathways and Muscle Health 

Professor David Scott is a leading exercise scientist and NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow at Deakin University’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN). With a PhD in skeletal muscle function and over 240 peer-reviewed publications, he is a recognised authority in sarcopenia, obesity, bone health, and lifestyle medicine - including co-chairing the Australia and New Zealand task force on sarcopenia guidelines. 

At Symposium, Dr Scott will address a crucial emerging concern: the impact of GLP1 receptor agonists on muscle mass and sarcopenia. He will present the latest research showing that rapid weight loss via GLP1agonists can include significant lean mass loss in high-risk populations, and how nutritional support and exercise can mitigate this risk. He will also explore GLP1’s potential benefits on muscle metabolism - improving microvascular function, glucose uptake, mitochondrial health - balanced against observed declines in lean tissue  

Prof Scott’s session will reveal how advancements in incretin physiology intersects with integrative, muscle-preserving healthcare—essential learning for Natural Health professionals in this therapeutic era. 

 

Professor Damien Keating: The Gut–Microbiome-Brain Axis and Endogenous GLP-1 Activation 

Professor Damien Keating will explore one of the most exciting frontiers in metabolic medicine: the gut–microbiome axis and its profound influence on appetite regulation, glucose metabolism, and weight control. 

Drawing on his pioneering research, Prof Keating will unpack the mechanisms that drive endogenous GLP-1 secretion and examine how the gut microbiome shapes host glucose metabolism. He will also illuminate the critical role of gut–brain communication - particularly via vagal pathways - in regulating energy balance and metabolic health. 

In the context of the rapidly evolving incretin landscape, this session will provide practitioners with a deeper understanding of how microbial, neural, and hormonal pathways intersect to influence appetite and body weight. By exploring how these systems can be modulated, Prof Keating’s presentation offers important insights into emerging therapeutic strategies that extend beyond pharmacology and into the realm of targeted, mechanism-informed care. 

 

Diana Boot: understanding the incretin therapeutic landscape and the co-prescription opportunity  

Diana is a compounding pharmacist and naturopath, who has gained early expertise in managing patients prescribed GLP-1 RAs and similar medication. Diana is the founder of a busy and successful bespoke dispensary service, Natural Script, which empowers practitioners to create personalised medicines tailored to the specific needs of their patients. At Symposium Diana will describe the current incretin prescription landscape in Australia and provide a clear and solid framework of how natural healthcare practitioners can work alongside these medications. 

 

Glenn Mackintosh: Navigating the Mind/Body Transformation in the Incretin Era 

Glenn Mackintosh is a highly regarded psychologist and media personality specialising in the psychology of eating, weight, and body image. As the founder and clinical director of Weight Management Psychology, he is a strong advocate for non-stigmatising, evidence-based, and weight-inclusive care, and develops professional training for Healthcare Practitioners. At Symposium, Glenn will explore the critical psychological, emotional, and social changes that can accompany significant body transformation, such as those experienced by patients using incretin medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists. He will discuss how to compassionately help patients adjust to their new identity and navigate the "psychological lag" that is often experienced when rapid physical changes outpace a person's internal self-image. This session is an essential exploration of the whole-person care required in this new therapeutic landscape. 

Dr Sarah Edwards - Advancing Metabolic Medicine in the Incretin Age 

Dr Sarah Edwards is a GP Specialist and Accredited Practising Dietitian with a clinical focus on medication-assisted weight management and gastroenterology. She has a particular interest in the gut microbiome and its emerging role in metabolic health and weight regulation. Drawing on her dual expertise in medicine and dietetics, Dr Edwards is passionate about educating patients on sustainable nutrition and physical activity strategies to support weight management and long-term health outcomes. She combines evidence-based medical therapy with practical lifestyle guidance to help individuals achieve meaningful, lasting change. At Symposium Dr Edwards will share her clinical toolkit and skillset in guiding patients through incretin therapy to achieve their goals and minimise side effects.  

Professor Kerry Bone: Herbal Therapy for Enhancing Metabolic Health 

Professor Kerry Bone returns to Symposium to share insights from his long-standing work at the forefront of herbal medicine research and clinical practice. A globally recognised leader in phytotherapy, Kerry has been instrumental in advancing the scientific understanding of herbal therapeutics and their application in modern metabolic care. 

At Symposium, Prof Bone will extend beyond traditional conceptions of bitters to explore how botanical compounds can modulate endogenous incretin pathways. Drawing on pioneering research — including early work demonstrating herbal induction of GLP-1 activity — he will highlight phytotherapeutic developments with clinical relevance for appetite regulation, satiety signalling, and metabolic health. This session bridges time-honoured herbal wisdom with emerging incretin science, offering practitioners evidence-informed tools for contemporary practice. 

 

Professor Joel Pearson: Intuition, Interoception and Decision Making - The Art and Science of Clinical Practice 

Professor Joel Pearson, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at UNSW, brings a compelling perspective on how internal bodily signals shape perception, appetite, mood, and decision-making. His work on interoception and intuition offers a powerful scientific lens for understanding how the body informs behaviour and clinical judgment. 

At Symposium, Prof Pearson will translate this research into practical frameworks relevant to clinical practice, exploring how interoceptive awareness intersects with incretin science and the gut–brain axis. Universally praised for his engaging and thought-provoking presentations, Joel will equip practitioners with actionable strategies to enhance clinical insight, decision-making, and patient engagement. 

 

Nathan Rose: Integrating Incretin Science into Clinical Practice

Naturopath and educator Nathan Rose joins the Symposium faculty to synthesise and make sense of the rapidly expanding incretin landscape. Known for his systems-thinking approach and ability to translate complex science into clear clinical action, Nathan brings a practical, integrative lens to contemporary natural medicine practice. 

At Symposium, Nathan will draw together insights from across the program — spanning gut, muscle, bone, brain, and behaviour — to help practitioners integrate incretin physiology into everyday clinical decision-making. His session will support clinicians to return to practice confident, informed, and ready to apply incretin science in a meaningful, patient-centred way. 

Venue

Sofitel Brisbane Central

Sofitel Brisbane | Luxury Accommodation Brisbane | Brisbane Hotel

249 Turbot Street                                       

Brisbane City QLD 4000                               

Phone 07 3835 3535

 

Sofitel Brisbane Central provides a level of comfort and sophistication that you won't find in other hotel accommodation near the Brisbane CBD. The hotel overlooks the iconic ANZAC Square, Brisbane exquisite city skyline and the famed Sunshine Coast hinterland.  

Sofitel Brisbane Central offers access to the best of Brisbane's dining, shopping and cultural experiences.  Located within walking distance of the city centre, Eagle Street Pier and South Bank Parklands, the hotel offers direct access to Central Station.  

Secure your exclusive rate by booking your hotel room before 14 July 2026. 

To reserve your stay at Sofitel Brisbane Central with our exclusive Symposium discount, please visit:

Integria Symposium 2026 - book now