Statement to the 148th Executive Board - NCDs

Political declaration of the third high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases

World Obesity Federation welcomes the report on the political declaration of the third high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). While we appreciate the work done by WHO and Member States to raise the profile of NCDs globally, we remain concerned that progress with regards to diet-related NCDs has been too slow.

Despite the agreement from Member States to the Global Targets of 2025 to halt the rise in obesity at 2010 levels, trends show that most countries have a less than 10% chance of meeting the target. Obesity is  a chronic relapsing disease that can be both prevented and treated effectively. The evidence is also clear showing that obesity is a key risk factor for COVID-19 complications and people living with obesity are almost twice as likely to die as a result.

We therefore call on Member States:

• To recognise obesity as a disease, not only a risk factor.
• To include the prevention, management and treatment of obesity as a priority in UHC efforts, and as a vital pathway to meet many other SDG targets.
• To call on WHO to conduct a review of the implementation of the report of the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity and subsequently develop a monitoring and accountability framework
• To work towards a WHA resolution on obesity covering the prevention, treatment and management, ensuring that people living with obesity are actively engaged throughout the process.

The evidence on the close association between COVID-19 and underlying obesity provides a new urgency, and opportunity, for global action. Our window of opportunity to fund and implement actions to ensure better, more resilient, and sustainable health for all is now.