Driving multisectoral action on obesity in Brazil at ICO 2024
As we reflect on ICO 2024, it’s clear that this event was more than just a conference; it was a convergence of minds and ideas that underscored the dynamic nature of obesity research, treatment, and policy.
The journey to ICO 2024 was long, with two years of dedicated work leading up to the event, but the outcomes were immensely rewarding.
Our gathering in São Paulo brought together over 3,000 attendees (online and in-person) from all around the world, a testament to the global recognition of obesity as a critical health challenge. This congress stood out not only for its robust scientific programme but also for the environment it fostered—a place where experts from diverse backgrounds could easily connect, share, and learn from one another. The venue, initially met with uncertainty, proved to be perfect, facilitating interactions that sparked new ideas and collaborations.
An incredible experience
The sessions were wide-ranging, covering everything from basic science to public health strategies, from the latest in obesity management medications to the complexities of ultra-processed foods and their impacts on health. It was particularly gratifying to see packed rooms not only for clinical discussions but also for basic science and public health, demonstrating the breadth of interest and expertise present.
Mixed sessions, where different perspectives were brought together, were especially rewarding and highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to obesity—one that considers both prevention and treatment.
We were delighted by the energy and enthusiasm that permeated the event, starting strong on day one and continuing throughout. The compact venue allowed for seamless transitions between sessions, making it easier to absorb a wide array of topics and to engage with peers from all over the world. The social aspects of the congress were equally fulfilling, with dinners, camaraderie, and even local samba music adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Looking to the future
As we move forward, the lessons and connections from ICO 2024 will continue to shape our efforts. We are more energised than ever to address obesity, a challenge that is too often overlooked despite its widespread impact. The partnerships formed and knowledge shared at this congress will be crucial as we continue to address obesity globally, particularly in regions where rates are rising most rapidly
We extend our deepest gratitude to the local organising committee, the scientific programme committee, and especially to ABESO and our Brazilian hosts for making ICO 2024 such a success.
The work does not stop here; we look forward to carrying this momentum into ICO 2026 in Mexico, where we hope to see many of you again.
A letter from the World Obesity Federation Board
Mobilising for change: catalysing a social movement to address obesity in Brazil
Addressing the obesity epidemic requires a multifaceted approach that extends beyond traditional interventions. By uniting individuals and organisations across sectors, coalitions can create momentum for action, challenge societal norms, and advocate for systemic change.
World Obesity, the World Health Organisation and UNICEF - the Global Obesity Coalition - convened 25 Brazilians from research, lived experience, advocacy, and clinical professionals at the Public Health School of the University of Sao Paulo to workshop obesity policy priorities and engage civil society in the WHO Acceleration Plan to STOP obesity.
Collaborative approaches to address obesity: Taking the next steps
On Tuesday, world experts shared and discussed the most up to date evidence in obesity science in a full day of SCOPE training. In addition, sessions were held on the global obesity policy landscape and implications for policy in Brazil and the wider Latin America region, allowing participants to develop skills in obesity advocacy.
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Evidence Generation to Policy Action workshop
World Obesity Federation, the Latin American and Caribbean Nutritional and Health Community of Practice (COLANSA), Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), and the International Network for Obesity/noncommunicable diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) hosted a capacity-building advocacy workshop on the first morning of ICO.
Featuring speakers from the Latin American region and around the world, this half-day workshop aimed to share international success stories in food policy advocacy, highlighting the valuable role of evidence and the involvement of researchers/academics along with civil society and other stakeholders.
ICO 2024 Awards
ICO 2024 in São Paulo was not only a landmark event for global discussions on obesity but also a moment to celebrate remarkable achievements in the field. We are pleased to announce the recipients of the four prestigious awards presented at this year’s congress, each honouring significant contributions to obesity research, advocacy, and clinical practice.
William Philip T. James Award
Carlos Monteiro, the recipient of the William Philip T. James Award, was honoured for his groundbreaking work on the impact of ultra-processed foods on obesity. In his acceptance speech, Monteiro reflected on the evolution of nutrition science in Latin America and the significant role of ultra-processed foods in the global obesity pandemic.
He called for evidence-based public actions to address this issue, highlighting the need for policies that make healthy, minimally processed foods accessible to all.
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Willendorf Award
The Willendorf Award, recognising outstanding clinically oriented research, was awarded to Dr. Nick Finer. After a lifetime dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of obesity, Dr. Finer expressed deep gratitude for being recognised by his peers. In his acceptance speech, he reflected on the significant progress in the field, particularly in the development of safe and effective pharmacological treatments.
Dr. Finer also highlighted the continued challenges faced by people living with obesity in accessing quality care and emphasised the importance of initiatives like the SCOPE educational programme in breaking down barriers of ignorance, stigma, and prejudice.
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Wertheimer Award
The Wertheimer Award, given for outstanding basic research contributions, was presented to Professors David Raubenheimer and Stephen Simpson. Their curiosity-driven research, which led to the development of the "protein leverage hypothesis," has provided new insights into how nutrient-specific appetites influence diet selection and obesity in humans.
Professors Raubenheimer and Simpson emphasised the importance of considering nutrient mixtures in understanding obesity and the collective responsibility of society in creating healthier food environments.
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Emerging Leaders in Health Award
The Emerging Leaders in Health Award was presented to Pierre Cooke, a passionate advocate for the inclusion of vulnerable communities in obesity discussions. Cooke’s work, particularly in the Caribbean, has focused on ensuring that young people and those with lived experience are part of the conversation.
In his acceptance speech, Cooke spoke about the importance of creating healthier food environments and the collective responsibility to fight against the injustices that contribute to obesity.
Read MoreAbstracts
All abstracts from ICO2024 are now accessible. These abstracts present the latest research findings and insights on obesity, offering valuable information for anyone involved in the field.
Whether you’re interested in clinical studies, public health strategies, or innovative approaches to obesity management, the ICO 2024 abstracts cover a broad spectrum of topics that can enhance your understanding and inform your work. You can access these abstracts on the ICO 2024 website or through our journal, Obesity Reviews.
This is an excellent opportunity to stay informed about the latest developments in obesity research. Visit the ICO 2024 website to explore the abstracts, or browse them in Obesity Reviews.
Browse in Obesity Reviews
Watch On-Demand
All sessions from the International Congress on Obesity (ICO) 2024, held in the vibrant city of São Paulo, are now available online! Whether you attended the event in person or were unable to make it, you can now revisit the extensive programming at your convenience.
From cutting-edge clinical research to groundbreaking public health discussions, ICO 2024 brought together over 3,000 experts from around the globe to share their insights and strategies for addressing obesity. This is your chance to dive back into the sessions that piqued your interest, explore those you missed, and continue learning from the best in the field.
Don’t miss out—these sessions are available on-demand until December 31, 2024. Simply visit www.icocongress2024.com to access the full program and relive the experience of this year's congress from wherever you are.
WATCH AT ICO2024
ICO 2026 to be held in Mexico
We are pleased to announce that ICO2026 will be held in the vibrant city of Mexico City, Mexico, in 2026. Following an incredible week in São Paulo for ICO 2024, where we saw remarkable contributions from attendees, speakers, and panellists, we are already looking forward to continuing this global collaboration in Mexico City.
The upcoming congress will once again bring together the global obesity community to share knowledge, foster new ideas, and advance our collective efforts in addressing obesity worldwide. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details as we prepare to gather in Mexico City for ICO 2026.
We hope you will join us for another impactful event, continuing the strides we've made together in combating obesity. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of ICO 2024, and we look forward to seeing you in Mexico City!
Thank you for making ICO 2024 a success
The ICO 2024 organising team would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this year's International Congress on Obesity in São Paulo. This event brought together a global community dedicated to tackling obesity, and it would not have been possible without the unwavering support and participation of so many.
We would particularly like to thank our sponsors, exhibitors, and partners—your invaluable support was instrumental in making ICO 2024 an exceptional event. Your commitment to advancing the field of obesity research and care has made a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful for your contributions.
To all the attendees, speakers, panellists, and volunteers who joined us from around the world—thank you for your enthusiasm, insights, and dedication. Your active participation helped foster the collaborative spirit that made ICO 2024 such a memorable and impactful experience.
We look forward to continuing our work together as we prepare for ICO 2026 in Mexico City. Thank you once again for your support and for making ICO 2024 a resounding success.
ICO 2024
The International Congress on Obesity (ICO 2024) is hosted by the World Obesity Federation, in partnership with member organisation the Associação Brasileira para o Estudo da Obesidade (ABESO). ICO 2024 took place at the Frei Caneca Conventions Center in São Paulo from 26 - 29 June.
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