ECPObesity

ECPObesity Initially established in 2014, to help the European scientific and clinical community better understand the patient experience.

From this, the Patient Council developed into a strong voice for people living with Obesity & the patient community across Euro

At the launch of the IMPACTMED project in Rome, ECPO Patient Council member Mari-Mette Graff shared an important reminde...
25/05/2026

At the launch of the IMPACTMED project in Rome, ECPO Patient Council member Mari-Mette Graff shared an important reminder on the real impact stigma has on people living with obesity throughout their healthcare journey.

Drawing from lived experience, Mari-Mette highlighted how stigma can affect recruitment, participation, retention, and trust in healthcare systems, even when intentions are good. Her message reinforced the importance of building truly people-centred care grounded in dignity, equity, and respect.

“Stigma is a wall that keeps us apart, but equity is the bridge that reminds us that we all deserve the same safety and dignity.” - Mari-Mette Graff

At ECPO, we are proud to see patient voices helping shape conversations around sustainable and fair healthcare across Europe.

“Relief from food noise is not vanity. It is the relief of finally having mental space, emotional calm, and freedom from...
19/05/2026

“Relief from food noise is not vanity. It is the relief of finally having mental space, emotional calm, and freedom from a constant internal struggle.”
- Vicki Mooney, ECPO Executive Director

At , the conversation around Food Noise moved beyond anecdote and further into science, lived experience, and patient priorities. ECPO are proud to collaborate with Ted Kyle and ConscienHealth in helping amplify the voices and experiences of people living with obesity.

Because outcomes in obesity care are not only measured by the scale, but also by quality of life, mental burden, and the freedom to live without constant internal struggle.

Read More of Ted's blog post here: https://conscienhealth.org/2026/05/16/plenty-of-food-noise-in-istanbul-at-eco2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

As ECO2026 comes to a close, ECPO would like to sincerely thank our funders and partners for their support in ensuring a...
18/05/2026

As ECO2026 comes to a close, ECPO would like to sincerely thank our funders and partners for their support in ensuring a strong patient advocacy presence in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Their support made it possible for ECPO to engage, contribute, and amplify the voices and experiences of people living with obesity throughout the congress.

We also wish to clearly acknowledge that all ECPO activities, messaging, and engagement at ECO2026 were developed and delivered independently. Our funders and partners had no influence over ECPO’s activities or positions during the meeting.

Together, we remain committed to advancing collaboration, reducing stigma, and improving outcomes for people living with obesity across Europe and beyond.

As an unforgettable comes to a close, the inspiration, energy, and sense of community will continue to stay with us. 💜...
15/05/2026

As an unforgettable comes to a close, the inspiration, energy, and sense of community will continue to stay with us. 💜

Andreas Herdt reflected on the momentum created during the congress: “My head is still jumping back and forth between the impressions from this congress and ideas for the next one. The time between congresses will be quite busy this time, but I am really looking forward to rock it. However, with such an organisation team and plenty of helpful advocates - what could go wrong?”

Federico Louis Moya and Diana Castillo shared this heartfelt message with the ECPO family:
“Dear friends, thank you all for these wonderful days. Seeing you again was enriching and a real boost to keep making ECPO even greater. To those who have already arrived home, take care, rest, and enjoy your families. To those on their way back, have a safe trip and be careful. And to those who haven't started your journey home yet, enjoy these free hours, the charms of Istanbul, its delicious food, and its incredible buildings.
Remember, we'll see you at ECO27 in Munich.”

Thank you to everyone who made ECO2026 so meaningful. Together, we continue building a stronger, more united voice for people living with obesity across Europe.

Alina shared a powerful story of living with ADHD, obesity and years of stigma.For decades, she was told her struggles w...
15/05/2026

Alina shared a powerful story of living with ADHD, obesity and years of stigma.

For decades, she was told her struggles were a failure of willpower. But understanding her ADHD changed everything. As she says, it was “always there, just without a name.”

Treatment did not change who she was. It gave her brain the signals it had needed all along: helping her feel fullness, focus, sleep better, and live with less anxiety and shame.

Her story is a reminder that obesity is not a moral failure, and that integrated care, including ADHD screening and mental health support, can change lives.

Thank you, Alina, for sharing your courage, honesty, and hope with our community. 💜

Mari-Mette Graff: “When obesity science is poorly communicated, stigma fills the gap. People begin to internalize blame,...
14/05/2026

Mari-Mette Graff: “When obesity science is poorly communicated, stigma fills the gap. People begin to internalize blame, lower their expectations, silence themselves and avoid healthcare altogether. Accurate communication is not just about information.”

Right now, in the ECN lounge (accross from Hall 5) - In conversation: Navigating the Do’s and Don’ts of Communicating Ob...
14/05/2026

Right now, in the ECN lounge (accross from Hall 5) - In conversation: Navigating the Do’s and Don’ts of Communicating Obesity Science with Giles Yeo, Mari-Mette Graff and Seniz Unal. We are looking forward to a very interesting discussion on stigma and communication about obesity.

”One of the biggest challenges in obesity care is not losing weight - it is preventing weight regain, and communicating ...
14/05/2026

”One of the biggest challenges in obesity care is not losing weight - it is preventing weight regain, and communicating this challenge for people effectively.”

New research presented at by Prof Marwan El Ghoch highlights that sustainable physical activity habits may play an important role in long-term weight management. (sciencedaily.com)

This is why partnerships between scientists, healthcare professionals and patient advocates matter so much. Together, we can move the conversation beyond blame and toward evidence-based, compassionate obesity care.

We were delighted to spend time with Prof El Ghoch at ECO this week who has always championed the patient and advocate voice. 🤝

So let’s continue building a future where people living with obesity have access to respectful care, evidence-based treatment, and long-term support - not stigma or unrealistic expectations.

We invite policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, media and patient advocates to work together to make sustainable obesity care a public health priority.

Day 3 at the European Congress on Obesity 2026 continues with strong participation from the European Coalition for Peopl...
14/05/2026

Day 3 at the European Congress on Obesity 2026 continues with strong participation from the European Coalition for People living with Obesity delegation 🇹🇷

Today, ECPO representatives are contributing to important conversations on eating behaviours, obesity, and the communication of obesity science, helping ensure that patient perspectives remain part of the discussion.

From scientific sessions to networking and collaboration, continues to create valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and work together toward better obesity care across Europe.

Lastly on stage in the ECPO patient-centred symposium, “Input to Impact – Patients as Risk Managers, not just storytelle...
13/05/2026

Lastly on stage in the ECPO patient-centred symposium, “Input to Impact – Patients as Risk Managers, not just storytellers”, we welcome Sarah Le Brocq from All About Obesity, UK.

Reflecting on the realities of living with obesity and the importance of meaningful patient involvement, Sarah shared:

“When you live with obesity you understand the difference between rhetoric and real life.”

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Dublin
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