NCD Symposium, NY

Obesity and Non-communicable Diseases: Learning from International Experiences

Monday 23-24 September 2013, New York Academy of Medicine

In September 2013 World Obesity/ Policy and Prevention (formerly IASO and IOTF) held a 2 day international symposium on obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The objectives of the event were:

  1. To exchange ideas about solutions to obesity and NCDs in different settings, addressing both social and societal determinants.
  2. To highlight the key lessons learned, the principles for success, the particular challenges and opportunities for engaging youth, and the potential for convergence of efforts of different actors.
  3. To create a foundation for continuing dialogue among key stakeholders from scientific, public, and private sectors.

The meeting brought together researchers, practitioners, funding agencies, non-governmental health and advocacy organisations and public officials.

A summary of the meeting is available here

From left to right: Franco Sassi, Hannah Brinsden, Joao Breda, Fabio Gomez, Patti Rundall, Philip James, Vivika Kraak,  Jane Landon, Simon Barquera, Boyd Swinburn, Shiriki Kumanyika. At the front is Tim Lobstein.

Speakers and panelists included a number experts in the field from all around the world, including:

  • Commissioner Tom Farley, New York City Health Department
  • Professor Kelly Brownell, Duke University, North Carolina
  • Gillian Barclay, Aetna Foundation
  • Professor Philip James, President of IASO
  • Dr Douglas Bettcher, World Health Organization, Geneva
  • Dr Francesco Branca, Dept of Nutrition for Health and Development (WHO) & UN Standing Committee on Nutrition
  • Dr Franco Sassi, OECD, Paris
  • Professor Boyd Swinburn, Obesity Collaborating Centre, Melbourne & IOTF
  • Professor Mike Daube, Public Health Advocacy Institute, Western Australia
  • Professor Gerard Hastings, Institute for Social Marketing, UK
  • Dr Simon Barquera, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico
  • Professor Terry Huang, Health Promotion and Social and Behavioral Health, Nebraska
  • Dr. Graham Colditz, Washington University
  • Dr Luiz A Galvao, Pan-American Health Organization
  • Ana Garcia, New York Academy of Medicine.
  • Fabio Gomez, National Cancer Institute, Brazil
  • Dr David Jernigan, Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth, Baltimore
  • Dr Susan Kansagra, NYC Dept of Health
  • Professor Shiriki Kumanyika, IOTF
  • Dr Tim Lobstein, IASO/IOTF, London
  • Jane Landon, UK Health Forum, London
  • Justin Macmullan, Consumers International
  • Patti Rundall, International Baby Food Action Network
  • Mildred Thompson, PolicyLink
  • Dr Derek Yach, The Vitality Institute

A range of issues and themes were discussed throughout the two days, including:

  • The role of private sector interactions and public-private partnerships
  • Issues of accountability and indicators of action
  • The need for big picture and long term thinking
  • The importance of multi-sectoral action, including agriculture
  • The need to raise awareness and empower communities to press for change

A briefing paper based on this event will be available in early 2014

World Obesity received support for this conference from The Aetna Foundation, a national foundation based in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, that supports projects to promote wellness, health and access to high quality care for everyone. The views presented are those of the authors and speakers and not necessarily those of the Aetna Foundation, its directors, officers, or staff.