OPEN (Obesity Policy Engagement Network)

'Obesity is a serious chronic, relapsing disease and one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults will be living with obesity by 2025 worldwide. This #WorldObesityDay the @OpenPolicyEngagementNetwork(OPEN) is launching a new White Paper ‘The need for a strategic, system-wide approach to obesity care’. The paper outlines recent results from OPEN’s global survey of healthcare professionals and healthcare decision makers across 8 countries which looked to uncover the current level of knowledge and perceptions of obesity and how this impacts decision making and delivery of care. The OPEN Working Group are calling for action to improve policy and practices for the benefit of those living with obesity. To learn more and to access the full whitepaper, please visit https://buff.ly/3V12Qbd #Obesity #ObesityPolicy #WorldObesityDay Don't forget to register to join us on March 7th for our free webinar, ‘Closing the gaps in obesity care: The need for a strategic system-wide approach’. Register here:https://buff.ly/48DXQMW

One of the ongoing challenges in obesity management is the lack of a transdisciplinary, person-centered approach among healthcare professionals. Many HCPs cite multiple obstacles to coordinated care. Learn more: https://buff.ly/3yzIpZR

Despite numerous strategies addressing obesity, a more optimised approach is urgently needed. If current trends persist, both the prevalence of obesity and the associated economic costs will continue to climb, placing a growing burden on healthcare systems and societies. The World Health Organization recognised obesity as a disease in 1948 and redefined it as a chronic disease, with the European Union following in 2021. However, most national policies still view obesity primarily as a risk factor for other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, rather than addressing it as a chronic disease in its own right. To make meaningful progress, stakeholders must advocate for the inclusion of obesity in national NCD frameworks, ensuring early diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management. Read our report to learn more about how we can secure the prioritization of obesity in health systems worldwide: https://buff.ly/4dvvBCQ

The current approach to obesity often overlooks its complexity and can have detrimental effects. Stigma and misconceptions, like viewing obesity as solely a personal failing, contribute to psychological distress and worse health outcomes. This stigma can lead to healthcare discrimination, delayed treatment, and worsened conditions, impacting quality of life and socio-economic status. We need a new, evidence-based approach to tackle these issues and improve outcomes for those affected. Read our report for detailed recommendations: https://buff.ly/4dvvBCQ

Listen to Professor John Dixon (Health Innovation, Swinburne University) and other experts as they discuss gaps in care and strategies for effective obesity management. https://buff.ly/3VayRx4

Many training programs offer limited coverage on obesity, impacting adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Integrating comprehensive obesity education into medical training and ongoing professional development is essential to improve care. Our OPEN White Paper explores these educational gaps and offers recommendations for enhancing training and reducing weight bias in healthcare. #ObesityTraining

One of the ongoing challenges to obesity management is minimal training for healthcare professionals compared to other chronic diseases. Learn more: https://buff.ly/3yzIpZR #Obesity #ObesityPolicy

Last #WorldObesityDay, we held a panel discussion with global experts exploring existing gaps and barriers to optimal care. The panel provided solutions on how advocates, policy and decision makers can help overcome these gaps and deliver informed targeted action. There is a strong need to ensure services to prevent, treat and manage obesity meet the needs of those living with it. Catch all the insights here: https://buff.ly/4aCYc8i

Research has shown obesity does not receive the same level of care, insurance coverage, or education as other chronic diseases. Ambitious national action plans in line with the WHO Health Service Delivery framework are crucial to combat the growing impact of obesity and strengthen the resilience of our national healthcare systems. Our OPEN White Paper provides insights into current challenges around obesity management, and recommendations on how countries can prioritise efforts to improve access to comprehensive, evidence-based care for people living with obesity. Find out more: https://bit.ly/3SJtLqf

Globally, governments have recognised #obesity as a key challenge and have attempted to slow its prevalence by introducing a range of obesity strategies aimed at preventing new cases. However, as the numbers show, none have yet successfully delivered adequate solutions. Until very recently, the main view on obesity has been that it is a lifestyle disease which can be managed and prevented through the provision of interventions to enable the general population to make healthier choices. This approach has largely ignored the range of complex causes and physiological biomarkers which define the disease and its progression. Decision makers must now realise that obesity is an urgent challenge that requires a new approach rooted in science and evidence. Read our 1 Billion report, to find out about our recommendations??? https://bit.ly/3LB8hYs ?