World Obesity Live – COVID-19 and Obesity Webinar Series

People at the Centre: Obesity, COVID-19, and the Patient Perspective

The second webinar of the series delved into the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for people at the centre; patients with obesity and physicians.

Presentations addressed:

• The concerns of patients with obesity in the face of the pandemic
• The use of telemedicine to support obesity medicine practitioners on the front line.
• The mental health implications for patients with obesity and their families
• Special challenges and resources for patients and physicians

We were fortunate to be joined by patient representatives Allison Ibrahim (Kuwait) and Vicky Mooney (Ireland). Moreover Rekha Kumar, our colleague on the front line in NYC. Finally, Rachel Batterham (United Kingdom), Alice Pik Shan Kong (Hong Kong) and Abdullah AlOzairi (Kuwait).

COVID-19 and obesity: Emerging insights and policy implications

This fourth webinar explored the latest data that is emerging on COVID-19 and obesity, with a particular focus on the policy implications and policy response to date on obesity. Taking place a week after the WHO’s World Health Assembly, the webinar reflected on some of the opportunities for raising the profile of obesity on the global health agenda.

Presentations addressed:

• The emerging data on COVID-19 and obesity
• National COVID-19 responses that have included obesity
• The WHO NCD response to COVID-19
• Opportunities to raise the profile of obesity on the global health agenda

COVID-19, Obesity, and Inequity

In this sixth webinar we aimed to provide a platform for a range of geographical perspectives, and to examine some of the questions and sensitivities surrounding COVID-19, inequity, and obesity risk factors. We want to show the diversity of challenges and responses around the world, and how the interactions between obesity and COVID-19 are context specific and locally adapted approaches required.

In the first half of the webinar participants learned more about the complexity of the pandemic and the practical action being taken in different contexts. In the second half they will have the chance to listen to a discussion between speakers and pose questions via Zoom’s Q&A function.

The time is now: Action on obesity in the time of COVID-19

COVID-19 is disrupting health and food systems, and threatening progress on global obesity related goals. However, the emerging evidence and awareness of the links between obesity and COVID-19 provide an opportunity for governments to step up action on obesity and other diet-related NCDs, both within their response to and recovery from the current pandemic.

This debate style webinar brought together World Obesity members and policy makers from around the world to discuss what needs to happen to fast track action on obesity globally in this moment of crisis, but also how to implement these opportunities.

How are young people catalysing action on Childhood Obesity during COVID-19?

Thankfully, children are rarely seriously affected by medical complications of COVID-19 itself. However, there are indications that young people with obesity are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.

COVID-19 is also likely to increase health inequalities, with consequences for the poorest children when, for example, schools are closed. During this time, it is essential to maintain momentum on childhood obesity, while ensuring policies to promote child health are included in efforts to build back better.

In this webinar, we hear from a group of inspirational speakers, who are determined to build a better world for all of us.