Driving Change: EASO Policy Recommendations for a Healthier, More Resilient Europe

Obesity is one of the most significant public health and economic challenges facing Europe. Recognised by the World Health Organisation as a chronic disease since 1948, obesity is driven by complex biological, genetic and environmental factors rather than personal choice.

With recent data projecting that 80% of the EU population will be living with obesity by 2030, and substantial portions of healthcare spending already linked to obesity-related conditions, there is an urgent need for coordinated, strategic action across Europe.

The European Association for the Study of Obesity calls for the EU to implement a comprehensive obesity strategy during the 2024–2029 mandate. Our proposed policy recommendations intend to recognise obesity as a chronic disease within health systems, ensure universal access to prevention and treatment, prioritise investment in obesity research, and integrate obesity management into healthcare education. These key steps will not only help to bridge existing obesity management gaps, but will also improve health literacy, reduce stigma, and promote better quality of life outcomes for millions of Europeans.

Download the full policy recommendation document (PDF)

Through these targeted policy actions, the EU has the opportunity to lead a global transformation in obesity management. The EASO policy framework emphasises the development of multi-sectoral National Obesity Plans, strengthened clinical education, early detection programmes, and patient-centred care models. By addressing obesity with the same systematic commitment as we do with other noncommunicable diseases, Europe can advance public health resilience and secure lasting economic and social benefits for future generations.

EASO Informs and Supports

At EASO we work to inform and support EU institutions in their efforts to strengthen EU health systems by ensuring obesity is prioritised and addressed as a chronic disease across EU health policies and initiatives.

Resilient Health Systems

In support of the EU commissions commitment to building resilient health systems, EASO will work to inform the implementation of science based policy measures which enable the provision of new infrastructures that effectively address obesity as a chronic relapsing disease.

Policy

Obesity and Cancer

Obesity is a chronic relapsing disease that acts as a gateway to other noncommunicable diseases and has been linked with an increased risk of developing several types of the most common cancers such as breast, ovary, liver and colon cancer. EASO are invested in working with key EU stakeholders to ensure that the ‘Europe Beating Cancer’ Plan goes beyond primary prevention initiatives for obesity.

Policy

EU Research Agenda

The EU Research Agenda forms the backbone of policy-making and evaluation cycles at all levels of public governance. From fundamental research all the way through to implementation stage research, all evidence help to inform policymakers in their decision-making, especially in the context of health. EASO are committed to ensuring that Europe devotes attention and funding to research that enable sustainable political and clinical decision-making in obesity.

Policy

Policy Statements

EASO works to inform and support its membership as well as EU institutions in their efforts to strengthen national health systems and policy frameworks through the prioritisation of research, the review of new strategies and the provision of informed recommendations on how to ensure obesity is prioritised and addressed as a chronic disease across EU health policies and initiatives.

Policy

The purpose of EASO’s Policy Working Group is to align on core messaging and outreach at all levels across key policy dossiers which can have a transnational or supranational (EU, WHO, OECD etc) importance to EASO’s work.

Working closely with the EASO Policy Team the Policy Working Group is comprised of content experts from the EASO membership from across different disciplines and geographies already active in policy advocacy at national or supra-national levels.

https://easo.org/about-easo/task-forces-groups/policy-working-group/