Pivotal moment to addressing obesity: Seventy-fifth World Health Assembly

The Seventy-Fifth World Health Assembly (WHA) took place in Geneva from May 22nd-May 28th. In our capacity as an organisation in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO), World Obesity played an active role in the recent meeting.

This year, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were front-and-centre at WHA, with several agenda items discussed throughout the week to help address one of the most pressing global health challenges of the 21^st century. Member States endorsed an implementation road map (2023-2030) to support the NCD Global Action Plan (2013-2030) and accelerate action to address NCDs globally.

As seen through the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing humanitarian conflict in Ukraine, people living with NCDs (PLWNCDs) are particularly vulnerable. We therefore welcome the approval of new recommendations to support PLWNCDs in humanitarian emergencies. Landmark roadmaps, strategies and targets were also adopted on a range of NCDs including diabetes, oral health, alcohol, and obesity. We applaud the commitment of WHO and Member States to address NCDs holistically, highlighting the recognition that bold, urgent action is needed if we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and Triple Billion targets and to shift the global narrative from one of silos and stigma to one that brings prioritization and solutions and a new shared narrative.    

We applaud Member States that have reaffirmed their commitment to addressing obesity, described as a complex multifactorial disease and driver of other diseases, as an urgent priority, particularly the Member States that recognised obesity as an urgent, national priority in their statements, including Norway, Austria, Jordan (on behalf of EMRO region), Canada, France (on behalf of EU region), Senegal, Thailand, South Africa, Uruguay, Jamaica, Israel, Brazil, Australia, Japan, Peru, the Russian Federation, Ghana, the USA, the Bahamas, and Mexico, as well as the 24 countries who have put themselves forward as frontrunner countries for the Acceleration Plan (list to be announced soon).

As we turn our attention to supporting the implementation of the recommendations in all countries, we will be working with WHO to support all countries with the implementation, as well as ensuring all countries stand by their commitments on obesity to ensure no one is left behind. We will continue to highlight the need for strong accountability and an overarching framework such as a Global Action Plan, as the next necessary step to help to commitments into action including national plans and integration into wider NCD plans.

The event was attended by over 50 participants from governments, UN, civil society, academic and the private sector. The breakfast opened with interventions from keynote speakers, civil society representatives and patient leaders:

• Dr Francesco Branca, WHO Director of the Department of Nutrition for Health and Development, emphasised that WHO will not achieve its target of one billion people living healthier lives, because of obesity.
• Dr the Honourable Chris Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, Jamaica described how, in his country, they have defined obesity as a serious public health concern.
• Dr. Hugo Lopez-Gatell, Vice Minister of Health, Mexico spoke about the challenge of conflict of interests.
• Dr Simon Barquera, Director of Nutrition and Health Research, INSP Mexico reiterated that policies such as soda taxes and warning labels are cost effective and have had impact in Mexico and elsewhere.
• Sarah LeBrocq, Obesity Advocate, Public Speaker & Patient Leader spoke about the importance of having the patient voice present at the outset of policy development.
• James Toop, CEO of Bite Back 2030 described how his organization works with young people to shift the narrative from one of individual responsibility to systemic change.
• Sania Nishtar, Senator and former Minister of Health, Pakistan spoke about the great chasm in public health that exists in obesity - the gap between knowledge and action – and the major role stunting plays in obesity among children.

During the second half of the event, moderated group discussions were held at small tables. Participants were challenged to find examples of how and when barriers have been overcome, and how success can be replicated. Barriers identified included: food industry interference, lack of political will, inadequate inclusion of people living with obesity, lack of local knowledge to inform action, lack of creativity and innovation. The lively and engaging discussions highlighted several key messages:

• While we have enough knowledge on what needs to be done, barriers to implementation remain.
• If not addressed, known barriers and challenges such as food industry interference and limited political will jeopardise the success of the WHO recommendations and Acceleration Plan.
• People living with obesity must be at the centre of policy processes, and the management of obesity prioritised alongside prevention. 
• Coordinated efforts across national and global levels is required.
• There is an opportunity for the 75^th WHA to be a turning point for obesity.