Changing Systems for Healthier Lives

Monday, 3 March 2025, 12:00 - 13:00 UTC

This World Obesity Day, we are spotlighting the systemic solutions to addressing obesity. Join the Global Obesity Coalition - World Obesity Federation, UNICEF and WHO - for our World Obesity Day webinar, titled 'Changing Systems for Healthier Lives'.

Background 

This World Obesity Day we are critically examining the systems underlying obesity and NCDs and calling for structural change to create healthier lives for all.  Obesity is a disease and a major driver of NCDs including some types of cancers, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Many of the same policies to prevent and manage obesity will also help reduce NCDs. Action on obesity is thus a double duty (‘win-win’) action for healthier lives. 

World Obesity Day 2025 comes at a critical time for advancing action on obesity. In September, governments will come together at the Fourth High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on NCDs and Mental Health (HLM 4) to review progress and commit to action for the next phase of the global NCD response. With new data, evidence-based recommendations and advocacy led by people with lived experience, action on obesity can and must be accelerated. 

Objectives 

Ahead of World Obesity Day, this event will convene voices from governments, UN agencies, civil society, and academia. The event will preview new data and publications and discuss the urgent actions required at country level to change the systems that are currently perpetuating obesity. The event will also share stories and inspire advocates globally to help ensure obesity is prioritised at the HLM 4. 

Audience

The event aims to reach a diverse range of global audiences including policymakers, patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, civil society advocates and young people.