About

The human impact

Beyond the statistics obesity takes a devastating toll on individuals and families leading to:

•  Reduced life expectancy and a potential cause of chronic health conditions.

• Increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, NAFLD and at least 13 types of cancer.

• Affected mental health, often causing depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

• Diminished quality of life, limiting opportunities for work, social participation and independence.

This ticking time bomb also places enormous strain on healthcare staff and resources across both primary and secondary care.

Our response

The Obesity & Weight Management Alliance is committed to supporting healthcare professionals as they face these challenges.

We host a series of national conferences and webinars in the UK and Ireland designed to:

• Share the latest research and evidence-based practice.

• Explore innovative treatments and strategies for weight management.

• Provide opportunities to learn directly from leading experts.

• Deliver free CPD-accredited education to help professionals improve care and outcomes.

By connecting healthcare providers with new knowledge, tools and solutions we aim to make a meaningful difference in the fight against obesity.

Obesity is one of the most urgent health challenges of our time. Global obesity rates have tripled since 1975, and the UK and Ireland now rank among the worst-performing countries in Europe.

• Around 1 in 4 UK adults currently live with obesity – this is projected to rise to 36 per cent of the adult population by 2040.

• Obesity already costs the NHS £6.5 billion annually, with this figure expected to soar to £9.7 billion each year by 2050.

• Ireland has one of the highest levels of obesity in Europe, with 60 per cent of adults and over one in five children and young people living with overweight and obesity.