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Bringing together the global community, we’re working towards building happier, healthier and longer lives for everybody.

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The mission of World Obesity Day

Increase Awareness

Obesity is a disease. We are raising awareness and improving understanding of its root causes and the actions needed to address them.

Encourage Advocacy

Changing the way obesity is addressed across society, we’re encouraging people to become advocates, standing up and calling for change.

Improve Policies

Creating a healthy environment that prioritises obesity as a health issue, we’re working to change policy to build the right support systems for the future.

Share Experiences

Stronger together, we’re creating platforms to share experiences, inspiring and uniting a global community to work towards our common goal.

World Obesity Day takes place annually on March 4th.

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DISCOVER STORIES

Explore stories from our global community

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Living with Turner Syndrome

I live with a rare genetic condition called Turner Syndrome. It is characterized by restricted height and infertility, but less common characteristics include overweight and obesity. This is also associated with an increased risk of developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. As obesity is a key risk factor for diabetes, I have to make a conscious effort to sustain a healthy lifestyle. I am able to manage my condition with access to excellent medical care, but have had to overcome hurdles, including stigma around for my height, which affected my mental health and my relationship with food. We must raise awareness of the role of genetics in obesity and address the damaging stigma that many still face around weight and height.

Ogweno’s Story

I was brought up in environment full of carbs, where healthy food was considered expensive. Our neighbourhood had little space for activities, and poverty and poor eating meant I rapidly gained weight. However, as a teenager, I noticed my body. I started focussing on healthy food and exercise. Initially I was discouraged when I didn't lose weight, but at university, I discovered body building and focused on being fit.

Melanie’s Story

I grew up with obesity in my family. As a child, I was put on restrictive diets and developed a negative relationship with food. The stigma I experienced living with obesity damaged my mental health and made it harder to stay healthy. I am now a patient advocate and my dream is that people living with obesity have support, love, hope, confidence and respect.

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