In December, researchers announced that almost half of all Americans could have obesity by 2030. As we start this new decade, it is imperative that we change the narrative surrounding obesity. We need to raise awareness, lower stigma, and make it easier for those with obesity to receive the care they deserve.
In accordance with these goals, the STOP Obesity Alliance is a proud founding champion of Obesity Care Week (OCW) happening March 1st-7th. OCW is an annual public awareness effort supported by more than 50 countries and more than 55 organizations. This year’s OCW campaign will focus on topics like weight bias, treatment, access to care, and childhood obesity. OCW aims to raise awareness, educate and advocate for a better world for people living with obesity.
In the past, Obesity Care Week, focused on advocacy and education here in the United States. However, this year we are joining with our partners across the world to adopt a global focus that includes a new World Obesity Day on March 4th. Because obesity affects more than 2 billion people worldwide, our campaign will push for more comprehensive solutions, treatment, and collective responsibility for addressing this global epidemic.
To address obesity care, the STOP Obesity Alliance will re-introduce ten fact sheets, exploring topics like early life obesity, obesity in the workplace, and weight stigma. The fact sheets are available at go.gwu.edu/obesityfacts. We hope you will share them on social media or on your websites to help educate others. Feel free to print and share them in provider’s offices and wellness centers.
Please sign-up now for OCW2020 Alerts and stay up to date with the latest news and information on how to get involved with OCW. Join us this week as we seek to change the world for people living with obesity.