ECO 2026: Strengthening international collaboration on obesity
The World Obesity Federation was pleased to attend ECO 2026 in Istanbul this May, engaging with partners, advocates, and Members from across the world.
The 33rd European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2026, hosted by our regional member the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), offered an excellent opportunity to strengthen connections with partners, advocates, clinicians, researchers, and Members from a wide range of countries, including Australia, Nepal, Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and more.
Collaboration across the global obesity community
Across the week, our booth welcomed many conversations focused on collaboration, advocacy, education, and health systems. There was particular interest in MAPPS II, our research project aiming to improve understanding of obesity care pathways across different countries by gathering insights from healthcare professionals, policymakers, advocates, and people living with obesity. Discussions also highlighted continued engagement with SCOPE, our global education programme designed to support evidence-based obesity care worldwide.
The congress also provided valuable opportunities to connect face-to-face with Members, partners and stakeholders from around the world. Conversations with colleagues from countries including Australia, Nepal, Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Mexico helped strengthen existing partnerships, identify new opportunities for collaboration, and share experiences from different health systems and policy contexts. These exchanges reinforced the importance of international cooperation and collective action in addressing obesity globally.
.png)
Advancing discussions on obesity policy and care
World Obesity representatives were actively involved in the scientific and policy programme throughout the congress. CEO Johanna Ralston, President-Elect Bruno Halpern and Head of Policy and Advocacy Magdalena Wetzel contributed to discussions on the global obesity landscape, policy priorities, health systems, access to care, and the role of obesity within broader NCD and universal health coverage agendas.
Across these sessions, a common theme emerged: obesity must be recognised and addressed as a complex, chronic disease requiring coordinated action across prevention, treatment, care and policy. Discussions highlighted the importance of stronger health systems, equitable access to care, and the need to accelerate action on obesity within national and global health agendas.
Food systems and nutrition were also key topics throughout ECO. World Obesity President Simón Barquera contributed to discussions on the growing impact of ultra-processed foods on health, highlighting the need for stronger policy action to create healthier food environments.
As he noted during the congress, ultra-processed foods are often “not made for nutrition, but for profit” - a reminder of the commercial drivers shaping obesity and other non-communicable diseases, and the importance of policies that support healthier food systems.
Looking ahead
ECO also provided an opportunity to continue conversations around World Obesity Day 2026 and the 8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity campaign, with Members sharing reflections, ideas, and future ambitions for collective advocacy efforts.
Looking ahead, there was also growing anticipation for ICO 2026, taking place this July in Mexico City, and the opportunities it will create for further international collaboration, knowledge exchange and action on obesity.
We would like to thank our regional member, the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), for hosting another successful congress and creating such a valuable space for collaboration, learning and global engagement across the obesity community.
Join us at ICO 2026
Registration for the International Congress on Obesity (ICO) 2026 remains open. Join colleagues from around the world to explore the latest developments in obesity research, policy and practice, connect with the global obesity community, and help shape the future of obesity prevention and care.
Learn more and register