WOD 2025: Solemn Session on Obesity, Brazil

For World Obesity Day 2025, World Obesity member organisations, Vozes do Advocacy and ABESO, were present at the Solemn Session on Obesity in the Chamber of Deputies.

March 4th is celebrated as World Obesity Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about this chronic non-communicable disease that affects people of all ages and also the most socially vulnerable. World Obesity Day encourages practical solutions to help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight, receive appropriate treatment and reverse the obesity crisis. There is much to be done, including restricting the marketing of foods and drinks high in fat, sugar and salt to children; taxing sugary drinks and providing better access to healthy foods; making space for safe walking, cycling and recreation in cities; teaching children healthy habits from an early age. Therefore, this request for a formal session was necessary given the importance and relevance of the subject.

All participants spoke about the importance of implementing public policies to improve the treatment of people with obesity. A presentation was also given by another World Obesity member, Instituto Cordial.

Four federal deputies were present at the table, as well as the Ministry of Health, and associations including ABESO and the Federation of Associations and Institutes of Diabetes and Obesity.

In addition, at the request of ABESO and Vozes do Advocacy - Federação de Associações e Institutos de Diabetes e Obesidade, the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate were illuminated in purple to remind parliamentarians about World Obesity Day.