Working with WHO: response to the consultation and road map to a resolution
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) consulted on draft Recommendations for the prevention and Management of Obesity over the lifecourse, including potential targets.
In our capacity as a non-state actor in official relations with WHO, World Obesity had the opportunity to provide formal input via the public Consultation. Our response has been prepared collaboratively with input from over 45 members, committee members and non-state actors. With our reports in 2019 and 2020 showing that no country is on track to meet the World Health Assembly NCD targets, we welcome the draft recommendations and congratulate WHO on the efforts to produce this paper. This marks an important moment where our improved understanding of the complexities and drivers of obesity are being used to develop comprehensive policy recommendations for prevention and treatment in adults and children alike.
Although the document calls for multisectoral approaches and covers a comprehensive range of actions, it lacks an overarching framework that Member States can adopt (and be held accountable towards) to help shape the implementation of national obesity plans.
Following the development of the ROOTS framework with key obesity stakeholders in 2020, we strongly encourage Member States to integrate this framework and associated principles into their approach for addressing obesity, especially when developing national action plans. Read our full response structured around the ROOTS framework here.
In order to maintain momentum towards the upcoming high level meetings, including WHO’s Executive Board and World Health Assembly, World Obesity convened our Members on Tuesday 19th October to discuss the value of WHO in global health, describe the success of past resolutions and outline some of the actions that patients and Members can take at the local, national and regional level to advocate for stronger, bolder actions to address obesity. Read our background document and go through the slides to learn how to get involved.
Download documents
Working with WHO to Advance the Global Obesity Agenda: Road Map to a Resolution
Background document
Download (289.75 KB)Working with WHO to Advance the Global Obesity Agenda: Road Map to a Resolution
Slideshow presentation
Download (1.21 MB)