obesity matters recognized by un for community-driven and stigma-free model of care
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the united nations recognized obesity matters for its global efforts in meaningful progress in the obesity space.
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the non-profit organization obesity matters works toward breaking down barriers, reducing stigma and improving the lives of individuals living with obesity. the organization is led by remarkable people who have lived with obesity, so they understand, from both firsthand experience and within the industry, exactly what’s missing from prevention and care techniques, as well as in policy and government.
their efforts, which began with the organization’s inception in 2020, were globally recognized by the united nations when they were awarded the prestigious 2025 united nations inter-agency task force award (uniatf). the award is designed to honour and showcase organizations that drive “multisectoral action to reduce noncommunicable diseases and achieve the sustainable development goals.”
obesity matters was chosen as this year’s recipient, alongside 12 countries and six other international organizations, for the significant work they’ve accomplished in driving meaningful change in the obesity medicine space.
through a community-driven model of care, showcasing and highlighting personal stories and experiences with obesity, as well as their no-stigma approach, obesity matters combines both the human aspects of living with obesity with the science-backed evidence to support their efforts.
“this award affirms that lived experience matters,” said sandra elia, chair of obesity matters, in a press release. “when people feel supported, understood, and treated with dignity, meaningful change is possible—not only in canada, but anywhere in the world.”
one of their initiatives, known as the om wellness workshop, was of particular focus due to its notable results. the virtual workshop initiative, which reached 10 million people worldwide, managed to eliminate the stigma that people living with obesity have dealt with for far too long, reducing self-blame and guilt and shame by rates of 36 and 29 per cent, respectively.
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the organization also focuses on the urgency of obesity, with one in eight people affected in the world, and the need for global initiatives to work on preventing and treating the disease, as well as changing the narrative that has kept people living with obesity feeling shame, guilt, or blame for a chronic health condition that’s on a similar playing field to any other, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
“this honour is not just for our organization, but for every individual who has shared their story, challenged stigma, and demanded dignity in care,” said priti chawla karunakaran, founder & executive director of obesity matters, in a press release. “rooted in lived experience, we have built a model showing that community-powered, person-centred support can be scaled globally and adapted to diverse cultural contexts.”
the united nations chose to pull focus to obesity at this year’s awards because of the significant impact it has on global populations, with rates doubling in adults in the last three and a half decades and quadrupling in children in that same timeframe.
on the heels of the award, obesity matters will continue to strive for change, using their canadian voice to highlight and participate in innovation and collaboration across countries to help the global population living with obesity.
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