Changing systems for the better: World Obesity Day 2025

Did you know 4 March is World Obesity Day? See what it's all about in our guide to World Obesity Day 2025.

Through its advocacy, the platform hopes to inspire change across sectors and borders – in healthcare, in research, in governance and beyond. It's a call to action for experts and stakeholders worldwide to come together and address the crisis head-on.

Another key aim is changing public perceptions of obesity. It achieves this through education, tackling stigma and spotlighting the stories and experiences of people affected by obesity.

World Obesity Day is organised by the World Obesity Federation, a global network of obesity experts, medical professionals and people living with obesity. Founded in 1967 as the Obesity Association, the organisation now campaigns worldwide and works with several leading health bodies, including the World Health Organisation and The Lancet.

When was World Obesity Day established?

World Obesity Day was first held in 2015. It was originally held on 11 October, before moving to its current date (4 March) in 2020.

Starting in 2016, each World Obesity Day has focused on a specific theme. The first theme was  childhood and adolescent obesity. In the years since, themes have included addressing the stigma around obesity, the need for collective action and the importance of talking about the disease.

What is the World Obesity Day theme for 2025?

The theme for World Obesity Day 2025 is 'Changing Systems – Healthier Lives'.

Here's the thing. When people talk about obesity, they usually focus on the individuals who are living with the disease. There are lots of conversations happening about their health, their weight and the choices they make.

But this misses an important point. People living with obesity shouldn't be blamed or shamed for having a disease. There are countless systems and structures in place that are contributing to the problem. Some are failing the people they're supposed to help. Others are making it harder to lose weight. Many more are making it far too easy to gain weight.

World Obesity Day 2025 is all about shining the spotlight on some of these failing systems. On its website, World Obesity Day specifically highlights 'health systems, government systems, food systems, the media, and the environments we work and live in.



'All these systems are contributing to the increasing rates of obesity around the world', it adds. 'We must work together to call for change to these systems, and people living with obesity must lead this call.'

Hear hear. The notion that obesity is largely the result of lifestyle choices is a myth that has persisted for far too long. It's high time we give the systemic causes of obesity the attention and scrutiny they deserve. For the sake of the millions living with obesity worldwide, we hope this year's World Obesity Day proves to be a roaring success.

And here's the best bit: you can help.

How can I get involved in World Obesity Day?

There are many ways to show your support this World Obesity Day.

If you like a good ramble, why not take part in the Walk for WOD 2025? This is the main activity planned for World Obesity Day this year. It will see advocates around the globe pull on their walking boots and put in some miles to spread the message.

You can join a walk arranged by an organisation near you, get together with friends or simply tackle your favourite walking route on your own. The important thing is that you help get the word out. Make sure you share your efforts on social media and let your friends and followers know that you're walking to raise awareness of obesity.

Depending on where you are, you could also attend a World Obesity Day talk or activity. No activities are happening in the UK this year, but events are planned in other parts of the world. In Rome, for instance, there's a seminar organised by several leading Italian health and education organisations.

Even if you can't attend an event or join the Walk for WOD, you can still help by spreading the

message.

After all, World Obesity Day is all about increasing awareness of obesity, its causes and its effects on people around the globe. You can play your part in this mission by sharing some of its factsheets, posters and web resources on social media. It only takes a moment – and it's a big help.

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This article was reviewed by and approved by Alice Fletcher, Bariatric Dietitian, on 28 February 2025.