MAPPS II multisectoral round-table in Spain identifies key priorities for obesity prevention and care
On 21 November, the World Obesity Federation and the Spanish Society of Obesity (SEEDO) hosted a national MAPPS II roundtable in Toledo, Spain, bringing together experts, practitioners and lived-experience organisations to examine where political intent does not translate into action, where care pathways break down, and how social, commercial and infrastructural determinants shape obesity outcomes.
This roundtable played a pivotal role in MAPPS II’s coalition-building agenda, creating a space to build evidence, exchange perspectives and define priorities for more effective, equitable obesity prevention and care.
Understanding Spain’s evolving obesity landscape
Obesity remains a significant public health challenge in Spain. Around 40% of adults live with overweight and 15% with obesity, while more than 36% of children aged 6–9 are affected - among the highest childhood obesity rates in Europe. These figures mask deep inequities: children from low-income households experience more than double the prevalence of obesity compared to children from higher-income families.
"Spain has a leading role in the Ibero-American region" Diana Estevez Fernandez
Despite universal health coverage, gaps persist in access to obesity treatment. Medications for obesity are excluded from reimbursement for those without diabetes, and bariatric surgery is limited to the most severe cases. Out-of-pocket spending accounts for 20.9% of total health expenditure, creating financial barriers to care. National strategies - such as the 2022–2030 Childhood Obesity Plan and the 2021 VAT increase on sugary drinks - demonstrate strong commitment, yet implementation challenges and equity gaps remain.
This is the context in which MAPPS II aims to strengthen multisectoral action and improve lived experiences across Spain.
Convening Experts in Spain
The roundtable convened organisations from across the system, including the Spanish Ministry of Health, the Spanish Society of Obesity (SEEDO), GASOL Foundation, National Association of People living with Obesity (ANPO), European Coalition for People living with Obesity (ECPO), The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), Universidad de Alcalá, Universidad de Castilla la-Mancha, Galicia Zero and WHO. Nearly 100 members of the public also attended as observers, contributing questions and reflections on what they believe Spain must prioritise to address obesity.
Their contributions helped examine the current policy and programme landscape, surface gaps and enablers within care pathways, and identify
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Experts identify key priorities
Across all discussions, participants emphasised the need for clear, stigma-free messaging and stronger information flow between health professionals, communities and systems. During the discussions, several key messages and priorities emerged to guide effective action on obesity.
Improved communication
Participants highlighted the need for clear, stigma-free messaging and better informationacross health professionals, communities, and systems are essential.
Improved Communication
Participants highlighted the need for clear, stigma-free messaging and better information across health professionals, communities, and systems are essential.
Care must be person-centred and life-course based
Experts stressed the need for obesity services which prioritise health over weight and offers continuous and comprehensive support throughout the life-course. The importance of access to multi-disciplinary teams which integrate prevention and treatment was emphasised.
Local action drives national change
Experts emphasised the need for local action, which have strong administrative functions which join up local, regional and national approaches. They identified schools, school meals, and local businesses as key environments for obesity prevention, with trained professionals needed to implement policies on the ground.
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Empowering children and young people
Experts saw children as “ambassadors” for obesity prevention and highlighted that engaging young people in promoting healthy habits can amplify long-term impact.
Equity and social context matter
Experts shared that there is a need for obesity action which goes beyond the health system, considering cultural and social determinants. Key areas for action included addressing stigma, improving living conditions, and ensuring fair access to resources are critical for effective obesity care.
A multisectoral, whole-systems approach is required
Obesity is not an individual issue but a collective challenge demanding coordinated action across local, regional, and national levels.
Looking ahead
World Obesity will continue its work in Spain throughout 2026 as part of MAPPS II, deepening engagement, gathering evidence and supporting improvements in policy and care. Those interested in contributing can take part in surveys and register for updates via the MAPPS project page.
Get involved with MAPPS II
To participate in the MAPPS II project, you can share your understanding and experience of your country’s obesity health care system, public health and policy landscape in relation to obesity and the broader societal and social context please consider completing one or more of the surveys above, or heading to our webpage.:
MAPPS II