Facilitating Change in Obesity: A Multi-Stakeholder Driven Discussion

The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m2) is anticipated to rise from 14% to 24% of the population by 2035, affecting nearly two billion adults, adolescents and children worldwide. Obesity is linked to various comorbidities including type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer and others, alongside associations with reduced life expectancy. Globally, obesity is one of the leading causes of mortality, ranking fifth behind high blood pressure, tobacco use, air pollution and high blood sugar, and was responsible for around 8% of all deaths in 2017. In Europe, predictions indicate that 35% of females and 39% of males will be obese by 2035 and that the economic impact in terms of healthcare costs and consequences, and productivity losses will reach over €700 billion. As a complex disease with multifaceted determinants and health consequences, it is unlikely that any single intervention will be able to halt the obesity epidemic. This symposium will explore various perspectives and options for addressing obesity and driving change. To facilitate discussion, we will hear short presentations from a health economist and economic modelling expert, a health technology assessment and policy expert and from a person with obesity. Each will offer a different perspective on how to facilitate change in obesity.

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