An OPEN Conversation

In this special episode, global obesity experts discuss key findings from a recent OPEN Global Survey which demonstrated that, despite growing public health messages about the health risks of obesity and the conclusion of major medical organizations that obesity is a disease, many healthcare professionals still do not consider it to be and harbour significant bias against their patients who live with obesity. The journal article entitled “Perceptions of Obesity Among Healthcare Professionals and Policy Makers in 2023: Results of the Global OPEN Survey” was published in Obesity, Science and Practice on 8 January 2025 and is available here: Perceptions of Obesity Among Healthcare Professionals and Policy Makers in 2023: Results of the Global OPEN Survey

Despite growing recognition within the scientific and patient community of obesity being a chronic disease, the overpowering narrative exhibited in policies, media and public commentary remains rooted in the misperception that obesity is a lifestyle choice that can be solved by people living with obesity taking up healthier habits and exhibiting willpower.In this episode, our guests will explore the recognition of obesity as a chronic disease and the potential implications of this on government strategies for obesity treatment and management. Hosted by Joe Nadglowski (OAC) with guests Dr Stephanie de Giorgio (General Practitioner with a special interest in obesity) and Andreas Herdt (Patient advocate, Vice Chairman, Adipositaschirurgie-Selbsthilfe Deutschland e.v.,(AcSD e.V.), and Board member, German Obesity Alliance (DAA))So, subscribe, join the conversation and let’s talk about obesity!

While obesity is recognised as a chronic relapsing disease by most key international organisations, including the WHO, some people still consider obesity to be a lifestyle choice. As a result, there is strong evidence of bias against people living with obesity.In this episode, our guests will explore the consequences of weight bias, obesity stigma and discriminatory implications for people living with obesity in the context of areas such as healthcare, education and employment. Hosted by Vicki Mooney (ECPO) with guests Professor Rebecca Puhl (Deputy Director for the Rudd Center for Food Policy) and Sarah Bramblette (Patient advocate)So, subscribe, join the conversation and let’s talk about obesity!

Perceptions around obesity and those living with obesity can greatly differ amongst countries and regions around the world. Globally, many obesity strategies are shaped by western-centric views of obesity and do not necessarily take into account or address the differences in perceptions caused by cultural understandings of obesity.In this episode, our guests explore cultural differences and perceptions around obesity. Hosted by Dr Olivia Barata Cavalcanti (WOF) with guests Amerita Ravuvu (NCD Policy Advisor, Fiji) and Ogweno Stephen (CEO, Stowelink, Kenya)So, subscribe, join the conversation and let’s talk about obesity!

While obesity has been recognised as a disease for several decades by the World Health Organisation, little changes have taken place at a policy level to manage and treat obesity as a chronic relapsing disease.In this episode, our guests explore effective and novel ways to inform obesity policies worldwide. Hosted by Jacqueline Bowman-Busato (EASO) with guests Dr William Dietz and Cristine Gallagher (STOP Obesity Alliance)So, subscribe, join the conversation and let’s talk about obesity!

Created by The Obesity Policy Engagement Network (OPEN), a partnership programme initiated and supported by Novo Nordisk, this podcast will go beyond the stats to explore the causes and impact of obesity, and the big questions surrounding obesity policy, prevention and care. So, subscribe, rate and review the podcast and share to join the conversation.