ECPO

We are the European Coalition for People living with Obesity. A Patient led Organisation working with stakeholders to improve the lives of people with Obesity.

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

ECPO was proud to attend #ICO2026 in Mexico City. We shared our #PeopleFirst campaign, strengthened global collaborations, and reinforced one clear message: people living with obesity must be at the centre of every decision. Nothing about us, without us. #WorldObesity #ECPO

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

The EU has approved the first oral GLP-1 medicine for obesity management.

For people living with obesity, this means another evidence-based option. Some may prefer a once-daily tablet, while others may choose injections.

Choice matters. So does comprehensive care, with treatment options used alongside lifestyle changes and ongoing support.

#ECPO #LivingWithObesity #ObesityCare

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

People living with obesity deserve a seat at every table.

ECPO was proud to be represented by @solveigsig Solveig Sigurdardottir at the Culinary Medicine Symposium in Barcelona, where lived experience, weight bias, multidisciplinary care and culinary medicine were at the heart of the discussion.

#Obesity #PatientVoice #ECPO #WeightBias

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

Obesity management medication is changing obesity care, but medication alone is not enough.

A new @EASOobesity, EFAD & @ECPObesity consensus statement highlights that treatment should include personalised nutrition support from registered dietitians, strategies to preserve muscle mass and physical function, psychological support throughout the treatment journey, regular monitoring and long-term follow-up as part of multidisciplinary, person-centred care.

Read more:
https://t.co/KcypZ0Ja8M

#obesity
https://t.co/KcypZ0Ja8M

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

One month after France became the first EU country to reimburse obesity management medication, the US Medicare system has launched a temporary GLP-1 programme.

Progress, for sure, but obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease that needs lifelong, integrated care, not temporary solutions. Also, medication alone is never enough without full support, including health education, primary care, nutritional counselling, physical therapy, and psychological support.

#AddressingObesityTogether #ObesityCare #HealthPolicy #HealthEquity

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

ECPO joined today's discussion at the European Parliament during European Health Future: Towards a Coordinated Agenda on Obesity & Cardiometabolic Challenges -The COTA Alliance, an event organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy (AMCHAM).

One of the strongest messages of the day came from the voices of patient organisations across Europe. Lorenzo Radu from Romania and Iris Zani from Italy shared powerful reflections from their national contexts, alongside patient organisations from Slovenia, Slovakia, Czechia, Poland and France. Together, they highlighted the very real differences people face depending on where they live, from access to treatment and obesity care to multidisciplinary support and clear care pathways.
Their message was simple: people living with obesity across Europe deserve equitable, evidence-based care.

Too often, obesity is still framed as a lifestyle issue. This stigma is reflected in policy, filters into healthcare systems, and ultimately shapes clinical practice. That has to change. If Europe is serious about preventing cardiometabolic diseases, addressing obesity must be central to that effort. Supporting people living with obesity earlier and more effectively can improve lives while helping to prevent diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other related conditions.

ECPO Executive Director Vicki Mooney also highlighted the work of the COTA Alliance, where patient organisations are not brought in at the end of a process but are involved from the very beginning as equal partners, helping to design, implement and evaluate advocacy and policy initiatives. From Italy's progress towards legal recognition of obesity as a disease to the experiences shared by patient organisations across Central, Eastern and Western Europe, today's discussion demonstrated what meaningful patient engagement can achieve.

Vicki also stressed that while sustainability matters, we must also talk about policy durability. Robust healthcare pathways for people living with obesity and cardiometabolic diseases must be built for the long term, able to withstand political cycles, shifting priorities and changes in government.

Thank you to all patient leaders, policymakers and partners who contributed to today's discussion, and especially to AMCHAM for the invitation to participate as an equal stakeholder.

Europe's health future must be built with patients, not just for them.

#Obesity #CardiometabolicHealth #PatientAdvocacy #EuropeanParliament #EUHealth #ChronicDisease #COTAAlliance #AddressingObesityTogether

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

On Wednesday 17th of June the longest-serving member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health, Colm Burke TD, hosted an Oireachtas briefing “Tackling Obesity in Ireland: The Role of Evidence-Based Care.”

ECPO's Susie Birney, who has represented Ireland as an advocate since 2018, spoke of the need to take action and truly recognise the recurring aspect of the disease of obesity. While many attending the session raised their hands in acknowledgement that obesity is a disease, and again that it is a chronic disease, not many admitted to paying attention to the recurring aspect of this complex disease. Susie highlighted that research shows people will delay seeking care typically until after the onset of complications and other non-communicable diseases can have occurred, and that we need to stop closing the gate after the horse has bolted. To treat obesity IS also prevention.

The strong patient voice in the room was reinforced by the support and attendance of Maura Murphy and Bernie Walsh from ICPO, demonstrating the commitment of the patient community to advancing evidence-based obesity care in Ireland.

Ireland will take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1, 2026, holding the position for six months until December 31, 2026. They will be responsible for planning and chairing ministeral meetings, steering legislative negotiations, and brokering compromises among member states. It was inspiring to know that Colm Burke queried how he could help during Ireland's presidency with regard to the call for action to address obesity.

We look forward to watching what will emerge over the coming months in Ireland.

#AddressingObesityTogether #Ireland2026EU #ObesityPolicy #ObesityCare #Obesity #HealthEquity #EUHealth #PatientVoice

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

Can food labeling help reduce obesity?

A new study published in The Lancet and shared by Ted Kyle from ConscienHealth, suggests that Chile's comprehensive food policy, including front-of-pack warning labels, restrictions on marketing to children and changes to the school food environment, was associated with a modest reduction in childhood overweight and obesity.

At the same time, the study's authors acknowledge important limitations, and previous research has produced less clear results regarding long-term trends. The findings are encouraging, but they also highlight how difficult it is to demonstrate lasting effects on obesity, even when policies clearly change food marketing, product formulation, and purchasing behaviors.
An interesting read, and a good reminder that in obesity policy, evidence is rarely as simple as either supporters or critics would like it to be.

https://t.co/Tm3zvNRelf

#AddressingObesityTogether #Obesity #ECPObesity
https://t.co/Tm3zvNRelf

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

Today is Global Fatty Liver Day.

Fatty liver disease affects millions of people worldwide and is closely linked to obesity and metabolic health. By raising awareness, we can support earlier diagnosis, reduce stigma, and improve access to care.

Learn more about the connection between obesity and liver health and join us in supporting greater awareness of MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis).

#GlobalFattyLiverDay #MASH #AddressingObesityTogether #ECPO

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

ECPO Brings the Patient Voice to Economist Enterprise’s Economics of Obesity and Metabolic Health Summit

The European Coalition for People Living with Obesity (ECPO) was proud to participate in Economist Enterprise’s Economics of Obesity and Metabolic Health Summit, contributing the patient perspective across multiple high-level discussions focused on prevention, treatment, innovation, and equitable access to care.

Representing the lived experience of people living with obesity, ECPO Executive Director Vicki Mooney participated in panel discussions and expert roundtables addressing some of the most pressing questions facing healthcare systems today, including the future of metabolic health, innovation in obesity treatment, and the opportunities and challenges presented by digital health pathways.
Vicki emphasised the importance of accessible and sustainable care pathways for people with obesity and not ‘Product Pathways’.

Throughout the summit, ECPO reinforced a central message: healthcare systems must move beyond a narrow focus on weight loss and instead prioritise outcomes that matter to patients.

It was particularly encouraging to see strong alignment between the perspectives of ECPO and EASO as Vicki shared the stage with Volkan Yumuk, EASO President, on reinforcing a shared commitment to integrated, patient-centred obesity care and meaningful health outcomes.

One of the key discussions explored whether current obesity metrics and care pathways place too much emphasis on weight loss rather than broader metabolic health. ECPO highlighted the importance of recognising obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease that requires comprehensive management and coordinated care. Discussions also focused on the growing burden of metabolic and liver-related conditions, including MASLD and MASH, and the need for earlier identification, intervention and integrated care.

As conversations turned to the rapid evolution of obesity treatments, ECPO emphasised that innovation alone is not enough. New therapies can only achieve their full potential when embedded within sustainable treatment and management pathways that support people throughout their entire healthcare journey. Patient education, ongoing support, multidisciplinary care and equitable access must accompany advances in treatment if meaningful outcomes are to be achieved.

ECPO also participated in discussions examining the opportunities and challenges of digital health pathways for obesity care in Europe. During these conversations, ECPO stressed that digital transformation must be designed with patients, not simply for patients.

Digital health solutions should be accessible, inclusive and non-stigmatising. They must take into account the realities faced by underserved communities, including individuals experiencing stigma, limited health literacy, digital exclusion, socioeconomic barriers and unequal access to healthcare services. Technology should reduce inequities rather than create new ones.

Across all discussions, ECPO advocated for healthcare systems that are connected rather than fragmented, prevention-oriented rather than reactive, and accountable to the people they serve.

Most importantly, ECPO reminded stakeholders that success should not be measured solely by weight reduction, clinical indicators or technological advancement. The ultimate measure of success is whether people living with obesity experience better health, improved quality of life, reduced disease burden and greater opportunities to live well.

As obesity and metabolic health continue to gain political and healthcare attention across Europe, ECPO remains committed to ensuring that the patient voice is not an afterthought but a fundamental component of policy development, healthcare design and innovation.

Most importantly, we challenged participants to remember that success is not measured only by numbers, technologies or systems.

Success is measured by the outcomes that matter most to people living with obesity.

Thank you to Economist Enterprise and all participants for creating space for meaningful dialogue and patient-centred solutions.

#AddressingObesityTogether #PatientVoice #ObesityCare #MetabolicHealth #DigitalHealth #HealthEquity #PatientEngagement #EconomistEnterprise #HealthcareInnovation

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

„A picture is never "just a picture."

When media outlets illustrate obesity with images of children eating donuts, they reinforce outdated and harmful stereotypes that contradict medical science.

Following the publication of an NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) opinion piece on inequities in access to obesity treatment for children, the Norwegian Association for People Living with Overweight and Obesity (LFO) challenged the broadcaster's use of a stigmatizing image that reduced a complex, chronic disease to simplistic assumptions about food choices and personal responsibility.

The complaint highlights an important principle: obesity is a complex condition influenced by biological, genetic, environmental, and social factors. Media representations should reflect this reality rather than perpetuate myths that contribute to blame, shame, and discrimination.

We welcome the news that the case has now been formally accepted by Norway's Broadcasting Council and will be discussed at its September meeting.

Respectful, evidence-based portrayals matter. The images used to tell stories can either challenge stigma or reinforce it. This time it was the latter.

Through our Image Bank, we are helping media tell a different story: one that reflects the real experiences of people living with obesity, with dignity and respect. https://t.co/hyOdThmVkI

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

Did you know that that people who experience weight-based teasing, bullying, discrimination or shame are at greater risk of developing eating disorders?

For people living with obesity, this stigma can create a harmful cycle: judgment and blame can contribute to unhealthy relationships with food, while eating disorders often remain undiagnosed because of persistent misconceptions about who can be affected.

On World Eating Disorders Action Day, ECPO joins the global call to challenge stereotypes, end stigma, and ensure that everyone affected by an eating disorder has access to timely, compassionate, and evidence-based care.

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

France has become the first EU country to reimburse innovative obesity treatments, sending a strong message: obesity is a chronic disease that deserves the same recognition, care, and attention as any other long-term health condition.

For millions of people living with obesity, this is about far more than access to medication. It is recognition of a reality patients have known for years: obesity is a complex, chronic, and relapsing disease, not a personal failure or a matter of willpower.

Too often, access to treatment depends on the ability to pay, while stigma, delayed diagnosis, and limited care pathways continue to prevent patients from receiving the support they need. France's decision is an important step toward changing that reality.

At the same time, effective obesity care goes beyond medication. People living with obesity need access to comprehensive, multidisciplinary support, including prevention, nutrition, psychological care, physical activity programmes, medical treatment, and long-term follow-up.

As patient advocates across Europe continue to push for equitable access to care, France has shown that meaningful progress is possible when healthcare systems place patients at the centre of decision-making.

The question is no longer whether people living with obesity deserve access to treatment. The question is how quickly the rest of Europe will follow.

https://t.co/qt1O68BQVR

#AddresssingObesitytogether

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

At the launch of the IMPACTMED project in Rome, ECPO Patient Council member Mari-Mette Graff shared an important reminder on the real impact stigma has on people living with obesity throughout their healthcare journey.

Drawing from lived experience, Mari-Mette highlighted how stigma can affect recruitment, participation, retention, and trust in healthcare systems, even when intentions are good. Her message reinforced the importance of building truly people-centred care grounded in dignity, equity, and respect.

“Stigma is a wall that keeps us apart, but equity is the bridge that reminds us that we all deserve the same safety and dignity.” - Mari-Mette Graff

At ECPO, we are proud to see patient voices helping shape conversations around sustainable and fair healthcare across Europe.

#AddressingObesityTogether #Obesity #PeopleFirst

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

“Relief from food noise is not vanity. It is the relief of finally having mental space, emotional calm, and freedom from a constant internal struggle.”
- Vicki Mooney, ECPO Executive Director

At #ECO2026, the conversation around Food Noise moved beyond anecdote and further into science, lived experience, and patient priorities. ECPO are proud to collaborate with Ted Kyle and ConscienHealth in helping amplify the voices and experiences of people living with obesity.

Because outcomes in obesity care are not only measured by the scale, but also by quality of life, mental burden, and the freedom to live without constant internal struggle.

Read More of Ted's blog post here: https://t.co/ZxpbEkccKQ)

#AddressingObesityTogether #ECO2026 #Obesity

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

As ECO2026 comes to a close, ECPO would like to sincerely thank our funders and partners for their support in ensuring a strong patient advocacy presence in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Their support made it possible for ECPO to engage, contribute, and amplify the voices and experiences of people living with obesity throughout the congress.

We also wish to clearly acknowledge that all ECPO activities, messaging, and engagement at ECO2026 were developed and delivered independently. Our funders and partners had no influence over ECPO’s activities or positions during the meeting.

Together, we remain committed to advancing collaboration, reducing stigma, and improving outcomes for people living with obesity across Europe and beyond.

#AddressingObesityTogether #ECO2026 #Obesity

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

As an unforgettable #ECO2026 comes to a close, the inspiration, energy, and sense of community will continue to stay with us. 💜

Andreas Herdt reflected on the momentum created during the congress: “My head is still jumping back and forth between the impressions from this congress and ideas for the next one. The time between congresses will be quite busy this time, but I am really looking forward to rock it. However, with such an organisation team and plenty of helpful advocates - what could go wrong?”

Federico Louis Moya and Diana Castillo shared this heartfelt message with the ECPO family:
“Dear friends, thank you all for these wonderful days. Seeing you again was enriching and a real boost to keep making ECPO even greater. To those who have already arrived home, take care, rest, and enjoy your families. To those on their way back, have a safe trip and be careful. And to those who haven't started your journey home yet, enjoy these free hours, the charms of Istanbul, its delicious food, and its incredible buildings.
Remember, we'll see you at ECO27 in Munich.”

Thank you to everyone who made ECO2026 so meaningful. Together, we continue building a stronger, more united voice for people living with obesity across Europe.

#AddressingObesityTogether #ECO2026 #Obesity

[ECPO @ECPObesity]

Alina shared a powerful story of living with ADHD, obesity and years of stigma.

For decades, she was told her struggles were a failure of willpower. But understanding her ADHD changed everything. As she says, it was “always there, just without a name.”

Treatment did not change who she was. It gave her brain the signals it had needed all along: helping her feel fullness, focus, sleep better, and live with less anxiety and shame.

Her story is a reminder that obesity is not a moral failure, and that integrated care, including ADHD screening and mental health support, can change lives.

Thank you, Alina, for sharing your courage, honesty, and hope with our community. 💜

#AddressingObesityTogether #ECO2026 #Obesity