EASO had an impactful and dynamic experience at ObesityWeek2024, marked by a whirlwind of productive collaborations and inspiring conversations with colleagues from leading organisations, including the World Obesity Federation (WOF), European Coalition for People Living with Obesity (ECPO), The Obesity Society (TOS), Obesity Canada (OC), Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), and a host of dedicated partners from patient advocacy communities and across the healthcare industry.
Together, we explored new approaches to advance obesity management, share best practices, and strengthen our collective commitment to supporting people living with obesity. Each meeting underscored the value of bringing together diverse perspectives and approaches to drive positive change, and we left with a shared sense of purpose for the future.
A highlight of the week was the international symposium on the final day, which focused on a collaborative approach to developing inclusive and accurate language for obesity management medications. The gathering brought together experts, advocates, regulators and industry leaders to discuss language used in obesity care, and highlighted the new EASO Obesity Taxonomy—a framework and tool for fostering a more precise, respectful, and scientifically accurate dialogue around obesity. By working together to refine the language we use, we can help reduce stigma and ensure that terminology aligns with scientific evidence, clinical realities and patient experiences. This symposium reinforced the importance of words in shaping perceptions and was a powerful conclusion to #OW2024.
