Youth

LET'S TALK ABOUT OBESITY AND...
YOUTH

Did you know that almost 400 million children around the world will be living with obesity by 2035? That’s 100% more than in 2020. Childhood obesity can profoundly affect physical, social and emotional wellbeing, academic performance and self-esteem. This often carries through to adolescence and into adulthood.

Young people are never the cause of unhealthy and unsustainable environments, but they are often the most impacted. We need to work alongside young people to create environments that reduce diseases like obesity, reduce pollution in the air, and stabilise our climate.

Young people are being let down by systemic factors – like aggressive food marketing and unequal access to healthcare – that make it difficult to lead healthy lives. It’s time they were involved in developing solutions for a better future.

Learn about obesity

Have you ever thought about the language people use when discussing obesity? It is common to see obesity talked about in a negative way which risks reinforcing stereotypes, simplifying the causes of obesity and contributing to weight stigma. There are also many misconceptions about obesity – like the idea that obesity is the fault of the individual.

Use our resources to understand the roots of obesity, take part in collaborative action, and learn how to talk about the topic in an inclusive way with friends, family, and youth groups.

The Roots of Obesity factsheet helps you consider all the factors that can lead to obesity
CO-CREATE Dialogue Forum tool is a youth-led and inclusive space for discussion on collaborative action around obesity
The dos and don'ts when talking about obesity is a people-first guide which helps you speak about the topic of obesity with respect

400

million

children around the world are projected to be living with obesity by 2035

Become an advocate

Young people have a right to be heard.

Young people have been overlooked for too long in health policy decision-making. Becoming an advocate is a good way to reach policymakers and organisations with the power to create change. These resources help young people and their allies to get started as advocates:

Healthy Voices: Youth Driving Change is a website and community dedicated to youth action
Youth Voices in Health Advocacy Spaces : A Guide for You(th) in the Childhood Obesity Space
STOP – Science and Technology in childhood Obesity Policy includes factsheets and policy briefings focused on addressing childhood obesity

Join our campaign

Young people have a major role to play in creating healthier systems for a better future. Make sure your voice is heard on World Obesity Day! We have a range of resources that you can use in all sorts of ways:

Share your experiences and ideas
Organise a group discussion or activity
Print or display information in your community
Spread the word on social media

Find campaign tips and resources

YOUTH

Find inspiration in others

Bite Back 2030 – the UK youth movement demanding healthier food systems :

Currently, the food system is rigged against us. We can and must redesign the system to protect the health and futures of millions of children.

Bite Back 2030, London,

read this story

Join your local community

Obesity organisations, coalitions and patient group are in action all over the world. Connect with your local group today.

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What’s happening near you?

Browse our interactive map to find activities, events, and stories in your area – and feel free to share your own!

Get involved