Changing the focus on obesity and people with obesity is the central theme of World Obesity Day 2023, promoted by the World Obesity Federation (WOF).

It’s purpose is to address obesity as a complex chronic disease with multiple dimensions and causes, including the obesogenic environment. Likewise, it seeks to overcome the idea that obesity is simply a problem of lifestyle or lack of personal will, since there are multiple factors that can contribute to its development (genetic factors, different life events, mental health, sleep and ultra-processed foods, among others).

The World Obesity Atlas 2023 predicts that more than half of the world’s population will be overweight and obese in the next 12 years if prevention, treatment and patient support are not improved. Overweight and obesity are of particular concern in Latin America and the Caribbean.