10/06/2026
Pleasure to address the International Economist Enterprise – Events Economics of Obesity Summit in Brussels today.
Obesity is a chronic disease — driven by biology, genetics, environment, and society. Yet our systems still treat it as a personal failing. 1.9 million cardiovascular deaths, half of all diabetes cases, 40% of CKD, and 20% of cancers are related to obesity.
We also cannot speak honestly about SDG Target 3.4 — the global commitment to reduce premature NCD mortality by one third by 2030 — without placing obesity at the centre of that conversation.
The data is unambiguous. We owe people living with obesity evidence-based care, not judgment.
World Health Organization
European Society of Cardiology
European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO)
European Union: Your gateway to the EU, News, Highlights
Global Health Alliance