OBEClust held its second webinar, Strengthening Understanding of Obesity as a Chronic Disease, on 5 February 2026, welcoming over 140 participants, including researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and nutritionists. The session was moderated by Professor Serap Erdine, President of the Turkish Society of Hypertension and Atherosclerosis and Chair of Communication and Innovation of the eprObes project, who opened with key findings from the WHO 2022 report, emphasising the urgent need for obesity prevention.
Setting the tone for the discussion, Ken Clare, Executive Director of UKECPO, spoke on behalf of OBCT about the importance of respectful engagement and compassionate care in addressing obesity, highlighting how stigma reduction and patient-centered approaches are essential for meaningful interventions.
Understanding Obesity: Biological, Psychosocial, and Educational Perspectives
Building on this foundation, the webinar then explored the complex nature of obesity from multiple angles. Professor Jan Eriksson of Uppsala University outlined, on behalf of PAS GRAS, the chronic mechanisms underlying obesity, including adiposity, inflammation, and the brain–adipose–gut axis, and highlighted multimodal strategies for prevention and intervention. Following this, Professor Fernando Fernández Aranda addressed the psychosocial and cultural drivers of obesity and eating disorders, explaining the objectives of the eprObes project and the interplay between neuropsychological and social factors. Complementing these insights, Professor Bianca Fuchs-Neuhold presented the SHIFT2HEALTH project, emphasising that enhancing health literacy, particularly among shift workers, is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated, multi-level action.
Tools and Policy: Economics, Legislation, and Future Directions
The webinar concluded by highlighting practical tools and policy initiatives. Dr Umberto Restelli introduced the BIO-STREAMS Health Economics Estimator Tool, demonstrating how data-driven approaches can support coordinated and equitable prevention strategies across EU Member States. Building on this policy perspective, Professor Rocco Barazzoni, representing HealthyW8, discussed Italy’s new obesity law, which marks the first European legislation recognising obesity as a chronic and relapsing disease, and examined its implications for research and healthcare systems. The session ended with a Q&A, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers and explore actionable insights for research, healthcare, and policy responses.
Missed OBEClust’s first webinar? Catch it here!