Systems Change

Underlying the global rise in obesity and NCD rates are failing systems

Health systems that are ill-equipped to care for people with obesity and perpetuate bias and stigma; food systems where multinational corporations produce unhealthy food and then spend billions of dollars advertising it to people; and planning and transport systems that discourage people from active travel and being physically active.

We must work together to call for change to these systems, and people living with obesity are leading this call.

No single intervention can halt the rise of the growing obesity epidemic. Addressing obesity requires a comprehensive approach across food and health systems, environments and in wider society.

Taking action on obesity is a critical step in reducing the global burden of other chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

This World Obesity Day we are calling for action…

In health systems

To recognise obesity as a disease and establish monitoring and surveillance systems
To integrate and scale-up obesity prevention and management services within NCD programs, focusing on primary health care
To include access to primary, secondary and tertiary obesity services in insurance and universal health coverage packages
To resource and train the health workforce to deliver people-centred obesity care

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In food systems

For stronger government regulation to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages, including:
- Fiscal policies such as sugar-sweetened beverages taxes
- Front-of-pack nutrition labelling and mandatory nutrient declarations
- Marketing restrictions on unhealthy products
For actions to increase equitable access to healthy food across the life course, including:
- Protection, promotion and support for breastfeeding
- Healthy public food procurement and service policies
- Reformulation of food and beverage products for healthy diets

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In our environments and wider society

Local governments to create public green spaces for active recreation and sport for people of all ages and abilities
Transport systems to promote walking and cycling routes
Fiscal measures to promote physical activity, for example reduced tax on sporting goods and subsidies for extracurricular physical activity programmes.
Employers to proactively address stigma around obesity and prioritise the health and wellbeing of all the workforce
Media to play an active role in addressing stigma and changing the narrative around obesity

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