World Obesity Federation welcomes new President and President-Elect
The World Obesity Federation is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Bruno Halpern as its new President, following his inauguration at the International Congress on Obesity (ICO) 2026 in Mexico City.
Professor Halpern succeeds Dr Simón Barquera, who now assumes the role of Past President, following two years of dedicated leadership, while Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga has been elected as President-Elect. The Federation also extends its sincere thanks to Professor Louise Baur, who has completed her term on the Executive Board as Past President after years of distinguished service to the organisation.
A new chapter for World Obesity
Professor Halpern assumes the presidency at a pivotal moment for obesity. As scientific understanding advances and new therapies transform the treatment landscape, millions of people living with obesity around the world still lack access to evidence-based, equitable care.
An endocrinologist, Professor Halpern graduated from the University of São Paulo, where he also completed his PhD in Sciences, focusing on circadian rhythms and metabolism. Alongside his clinical practice, where he treats people living with obesity every day, he has led and contributed to numerous obesity clinical trials and built an international reputation in obesity medicine.
Beyond his clinical and research work, Professor Halpern has spent many years advocating for improved obesity care through the Brazilian Association for the Study of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (ABESO), where he championed more accessible, evidence-based treatment. Having also served on the World Obesity Federation Board of Trustees for almost six years, he has worked closely with colleagues from across clinical medicine, public health, research and policy. These experiences have reinforced his belief that meaningful progress against obesity requires unified efforts spanning prevention, treatment, advocacy, education and policy.
Speaking during his inauguration, Professor Halpern reflected on both the opportunities and challenges facing the global obesity community.
"Every day, obesity makes headlines because of the unprecedented public health crisis it represents and the remarkable scientific advances that are transforming its treatment. Yet, despite highly effective therapies, most people living with obesity around the world still lack access to appropriate care."
Six priorities for the future
Over the coming two years, Professor Halpern will focus on six strategic priorities that build on the Federation's mission to improve the lives of people living with obesity around the world.
His priorities include:
1
Strengthening healthcare professional education
Strengthening healthcare professional education through the continued expansion of the SCOPE programme and stronger collaboration with regional organisations.
2
Expanding access to evidence-based obesity care
Expanding access to evidence-based obesity care, advocating for universal health coverage and equitable, stigma-free care, while ensuring obesity remains a global priority within international health agendas.
3
Uniting prevention and treatment
Uniting prevention and treatment, recognising that these are complementary strategies that must work together to improve long-term health and reduce complications.
4
Promoting inclusive and multidisciplinary leadership
Promoting inclusive and multidisciplinary leadership, ensuring people with lived experience are central to shaping research, policy and care, while continuing to challenge weight stigma.
5
Transforming the way obesity is communicated
Transforming the way obesity is communicated, improving access to reliable, science-based information and tackling misinformation.
6
Championing global science
Championing global science, recognising that innovation and excellence in obesity research exist across every region of the world and strengthening collaboration between high-, middle- and low-income countries.
Together, these priorities reinforce the Federation's commitment to advancing obesity prevention, treatment, advocacy and research while supporting stronger health systems capable of delivering equitable care. They also reflect Professor Halpern's own experience working across clinical practice, research and advocacy, and his conviction that meaningful progress can only be achieved through collaboration across disciplines, sectors and countries.
Building on strong foundations
Professor Halpern paid tribute to those who have helped shape the Federation's success, thanking outgoing President Dr Simón Barquera for his outstanding leadership over the past two years and Professor Louise Baur for her guidance and dedicated service as Past President.
He also recognised the contribution of Johanna Ralston, CEO of the World Obesity Federation, and the wider World Obesity team, whose commitment has helped build the organisation into a globally respected voice on obesity prevention, treatment and advocacy.
Reflecting on the future, Professor Halpern emphasised the enduring role of the Federation in leading the global response to obesity.
"People come and go, but institutions endure. My commitment is to help ensure that the World Obesity Federation continues to lead the global response to obesity for many years to come."
Welcoming Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga as President-Elect
The Federation is also delighted to welcome Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga as President-Elect.
Professor Sir Collin is Associate Dean Pacific at the University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Director of the University's Research Centre for Pacific and Global Health (Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa), and Professor of Public Health. He brings more than four decades of experience spanning clinical medicine, public health and public policy, having held senior leadership roles across New Zealand, the Pacific and internationally.
His distinguished career includes serving as Director-General of the Pacific Community, Commissioner on the World Health Organization's Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity (ECHO), and Chair of the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases. Throughout his career, he has been a leading advocate for reducing health inequities and strengthening global action on NCDs, including obesity.
As President-Elect, Professor Sir Collin will work closely with the Executive Board and Secretariat to help guide the Federation's strategic direction and continue strengthening its global leadership in obesity prevention, treatment, education and advocacy.
Looking ahead
With Professor Halpern as President, Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga as President-Elect, and Dr Simón Barquera continuing to support the organisation as Past President, the World Obesity Federation enters a new chapter built on continuity, collaboration and global leadership.
Together with the Executive Board, members and partners around the world, the Federation will continue to advocate for recognising obesity as a complex, chronic disease, advancing equitable access to evidence-based prevention and care, and ensuring that the voices of people living with obesity remain at the heart of global action.
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