2021 in review: The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)
The Obesity Action Coalition, headquartered in Florida (USA), concluded a highly productive year with the launch of its OAC Resource Library last month. This online platform stores information on nutrition, obesity science, bariatric surgery, weight bias and exercise, and will be available for use by OAC members and the general public.
Despite the difficulties posed by the ongoing pandemic, the annual Your Weight Matters Convention organised by OAC went ahead as a virtual event. The 10th edition of the Convention saw sessions on all manner of topics relating to obesity, as well as interactive sessions, masterclasses, cookery lessons and discussions. More than 2,000 attendees joined from across every US state, in addition to international delegates from more than 40 countries.
"We continually strive to offer attendees a unique experience providing useful education that they can use in their journey with weight and health." Joe Nadglowski OAC President
As most people with obesity know, weight stigma continues to be a major obstacle to the adequate treatment of obesity, as well as undermining the educational, workplace and societal opportunities faced by those living with obesity. It is in this context that OAC in January 2021 launched the Stop Weight Bias campaign, against the scourge of weight stigma and the discrimination faced by those living with obesity. Among the issues highlighted by the campaign include the pronounced effect of weight bias against those of Latino or African American heritage, the impact of weight bias through the life course, and the damage to one’s self-perception and mental health.
OAC once again played a pivotal role in the organisation and promotion of Obesity Care Week (OCW), held at the end of February in the run-up to World Obesity Day. This year’s OCW focused on the provision of education on obesity, as well as the need for action, by way of a series of informational bulletins. The priorities for this year’s campaign were listed as improving access to obesity care in the US medical system, raising awareness of obesity at the highest levels of government, and humanising the cause of obesity through an “I Care” day.