Stories

Discover Stories

When we share our experiences, we shine a light on the failing systems that contribute to obesity—and together, we can drive change.

Obesity is a complex and personal experience, influenced by the systems around us—health, food, government, and more. By sharing your story, you help shift the conversation from individuals to the broader systems that need transformation.

We want to celebrate the inspiring individuals, groups, and organisations leading the call for systemic change. Read their stories below and find inspiration in their efforts to build a healthier future for all.

Do you have a story to tell? We want to hear from you! Submit a story here.

Stories by:

All People Living with Obesity Healthcare Professionals Employers Advocacy Youth

People living with Obesity

Let’s talk about… the stigma that people living with obesity face: Mary’s Story

From the time I was just five years old, I learned to use food to soothe my anxiety, handle my grief, lift my mood, and numb the chronic emotional pain I was experiencing from living in a chaotic, alcoholic home.

People living with Obesity

World Obesity Day - Michelle Petties - Life Events- Watermelon Story

Advocacy

Let’s talk about… bold policies.

For World Obesity Day 2023, The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados and the Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition which is group of civil society organisations, which has been strongly advocating for World Health Organisation, recommended policies to curb the alarming levels of childhood obesity in Barbados will be congratulating the Ministry of Education in Barbados.

People living with Obesity

Let’s talk about ... the risk factor of living with obesity for other health conditions: Dehli, India

People living with Obesity

Let’s Talk about Obesity: Medha’s story, Pune, India

See Medha's video on her Facebook or Instagram pages.

Youth

Let’s talk about… the importance of healthcare access in addressing obesity

KPC Medical College have conducted a study among children 5-18 years attending OPD in a rural medical college of West Bengal, a state of India.

People living with Obesity

Let’s talk about ... how life events can influence weight gain and obesity.

Let me introduce myself. I am a 64-year-old, hardworking, Southernish, Black woman. By day, I work for WYPR, the NPR news station in Baltimore. At all other times, I am a woman on a mission to eradicate obesity amongst Black women

People living with Obesity

Let’s talk about ... your experience of obesity.

I reflect on my story here in 'New Year Resolutions (That Quiet Place)'

People living with Obesity

Let’s talk about… mental health.

Mental health can trigger unhealthy coping mechanisms leading to being overweight/obese but also can be affected by those conditions. This is why mental health should be a priority.

Youth

Let’s talk about… childhood obesity.

The goal is to make the youth maintain the benefits of physical activity after their stay at the clinic and to have a better health practice.

People living with Obesity

Let’s talk about… your experience of obesity.

I am an obesity survivor and absolutely thriving in my health & fitness going on 8 years now. I am now a personal trainer & body transformation specialist in Perth Western Australia, offering in person coaching and online programs to guide the others trying to overcome obesity & for those that are undergoing bariatric surgery.

People living with Obesity

Let’s talk about… obesity rising in every continent

Obesity has become a challenge, a big one, in Nepal (a South Asian nation which continues to struggle with persistent under-nourishment among her people).