ECPObesity

21/10/2026

Diana's weight kept her from teaching her son to ride a bike. Her story shows why obesity needs care, not judgement.

19/10/2026

16/10/2026

Last month, representatives of the Dutch Patient Association (NVOO) were invited to speak on stage about the Network Approach, developed in the Netherlands (Ellen), and the issue of stigma (Natasja).

During the afternoon session of the conference, NVOO hosted a parallel session featuring a screening of our documentary, which explains the causes of obesity in accessible, everyday language, challenges common misconceptions and explores the persistent stigma surrounding the condition. The session also provided a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of NVOO among the healthcare professionals attending the conference.

ECPO congratulates NVOO on their outstanding work and is incredibly proud of their commitment and dedication to raising awareness, challenging weight stigma and advocating for people living with obesity.
NVOO (Nederlandse Vereniging voor Overgewicht & Obesitas) Ellen Buijnink Lorier

16/10/2026

Today we recognise World Food Day, a time to reflect on the importance of access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food for all.

For many people living with obesity, food choices are shaped by more than willpower ,they are influenced by complex biological, social, and environmental factors. Recognising these realities is essential if we want to create healthier, fairer food systems that support everyone.

12/10/2026

New podcast episode: Obesity and Liver Disease
How can better understanding and clearer communication improve care for people living with obesity and liver disease?

In our latest episode, we explore the connection between obesity and MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis).

We discuss why accessible language and health literacy are essential to effective care and how stigma surrounding both conditions can affect diagnosis, treatment and trust in healthcare.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, patient advocate or someone living with these conditions, join us for a conversation about better understanding, better communication and better care.

Listen on your preferred Podcast provider or here: https://rss.com/podcasts/obesity-and-liver-disease/

10/10/2026

🌍💚 Today is World Mental Health Day, a day to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of taking care of our well-being.

Did you know there are strong links between mental health and obesity? Research shows that:

🧠 Mental health issues like depression and anxiety can lead to low energy levels, and weight gain.

🍽 On the other hand, obesity can negatively impact mental health, contributing to stress, low self-esteem, and even worsening conditions like depression.

The mind and body are deeply connected, so taking care of both is key to living a healthier, more balanced life. Whether it's through regular exercise, seeking support, or practicing mindfulness, making small changes can make a big difference.

Let’s break the stigma, support each other, and make mental well-being a priority. 💪✨


World Federation for Mental Health

09/10/2026

Overweight and obesity: a challenge for Europe as a whole

Overweight and obesity are no longer simply matters of individual health. They are a challenge for European society as a whole, with increasingly significant consequences for people’s health, the sustainability of healthcare systems, employment and the wider economy.

The study highlights the scale of the issue, The Economic Burden of Overweight and Obesity in Europe, conducted by the Office for Health Economics (OHE) and commissioned by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA). The research examined eight European countries: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Greece, Romania and the United Kingdom, highlighting the extent to which a high body mass index (BMI) has also become a significant economic concern.

A health issue, but also an economic one

Obesity is closely associated with a range of chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and digestive disorders. Its impact therefore extends far beyond healthcare costs, affecting people’s quality of life, workforce participation, and the productivity of the wider economy.

According to the study, across the countries analysed, between 18% and 58% of the overall costs associated with a high BMI are attributable to productivity losses. These include premature mortality, lower labour market participation, absenteeism, presenteeism, and time spent providing care.

Overall, the annual cost of high BMI ranges from 0.6% to 1.4% of GDP, depending on the country.

These figures show that obesity costs society as a whole and can no longer be addressed solely as an individual issue.

A priority for Europe

The issue takes on even greater significance within the context of European policies on cardiovascular health.

Obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are closely interconnected. Addressing them separately risks producing fragmented and less effective responses. Instead, Europe needs an integrated strategy that brings together prevention, early diagnosis, and access to appropriate care pathways.

Europe can and should play a central role in promoting coordinated policies, improving access to prevention and treatment, and reducing inequalities between citizens and healthcare systems.

The management of obesity should therefore be recognised as a public health priority requiring coordinated action at the European level, addressing both health outcomes and the disease's wider economic and social consequences.

Read more here:
https://eurobesity.org/new-report-highlights-the-health-and-economic-impact-of-obesity-across-europe/

29/09/2026

Hana Vrabcová, ECPO Patient Council member and representative of SKLON, shares how
European experience is helping to inform national action on obesity in Slovakia.

In January 2026, SKLON submitted proposals to the Minister of Health calling for the
implementation of WHO guidance on physical activity and behavioural support alongside
GLP-1 medications, as well as recognition of obesity as a national health priority.

SKLON was also invited to contribute to Slovakia’s national Health Programme and became
a member of the Slovak Association of Sports for All. During MOVE Week 2026, it
organised activities promoting regular movement, while educational sessions in Piešťany and
Smrdáky covered obesity, nutrition, body composition, liver health and physical activity.

Through cooperation with ECPO, ELPA and national partners, SKLON continues to promote
education, early intervention and the involvement of people living with obesity.

22/09/2026

From 16–22 September, European Mobility Week highlights the importance of creating sustainable and accessible transport for everyone.

This year’s focus on intergenerational mobility recognises that people’s transport needs can change throughout their lives. Truly inclusive mobility must also consider people of all body sizes, ensuring that public transport, walking routes and shared spaces are safe, comfortable and free from stigma.

Accessible transport supports participation in work, education, healthcare and community life. Everyone should be able to move through their community with dignity, regardless of their age, ability or body size.


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07/09/2026

When it comes to the causes of obesity, the science tells a very different story from the myths and stereotypes that continue to shape public perceptions.

🧬 Genetics matter. A substantial proportion of the variations in BMI between individuals can be explained by genetic factors. Genetic variants can affect appetite, metabolism, energy regulation and susceptibility to developing obesity.

👶 Risk can begin before birth. Genetics interact with biological and environmental influences from the earliest stages of life, with prenatal and early-life factors contributing to future risk.

🥗 Our bodies don’t all respond in the same way. Individual responses to food, energy restriction and our environment vary. Biology, genetics, physiology and the environments in which we live all matter.

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease arising from complex interactions between biological, genetic, environmental, psychological and social factors. It is not simply a matter of willpower or personal choice.

Understanding this complexity is essential to reducing weight stigma and ensuring that people living with obesity receive the understanding, dignity and evidence-based care they deserve.