On 4 March, to mark World Obesity Day, MEPs for Action on Obesity hosted a high-level event at the European Parliament titled “Addressing Obesity as a Gateway Disease: Why Europe Must Act Now.” The event brought together Members of the European Parliament, policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers and patient representatives to highlight the urgent need to place obesity at the centre of Europe’s response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Across Europe, obesity prevalence continues to rise, yet policy responses remain fragmented and insufficient. Participants at the event emphasised that recognising obesity as a chronic, relapsing disease is essential if Europe is to respond effectively to one of the most significant health challenges of our time. With around 25% of the European population currently living with overweight or obesity, there is a clear need for sustained, coordinated action at EU and national levels.
World Obesity Day Europe is an annual campaign led by the European Coalition for People Living with Obesity and supported by the European Association for the Study of Obesity. The 2026 campaign highlights the importance of improving understanding of obesity and strengthening comprehensive, 360-degree approaches to obesity management across health systems.
A central focus of the discussion was the lived experience of people living with obesity. A leader of the European Coalition for People Living with Obesity joined policymakers and experts to share perspectives that underscore the urgent need for policies that support evidence based, equitable access to effective care.
The event also brought together expertise from across the wider NCD community. Contributions from the European Society of Cardiology, the European Association for the Study of the Liver, the European Cancer Organisation, the Hellenic Medical Association for Obesity, WHO Europe and the OECD highlighted the strong links between obesity and many major chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and liver and kidney diseases. These discussions reinforced the message that addressing obesity is essential to improving population health and reducing the growing burden of NCDs.
Key messages from the event included the need to recognise obesity as a chronic disease, embed action on obesity within broader NCD strategies, address stigma and inequalities experienced by people living with obesity, and advance coordinated, evidence-based policy action across Europe.
Speakers at the Parliamentary event were clear: addressing obesity policy cannot be limited to a single day of awareness. Sustained political commitment and coordinated policy action are urgently needed to ensure obesity is recognised, prioritised and effectively addressed within the European health agenda.
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