On Thursday 29 January, ECPO took part in high-level discussions at the European Parliament in Brussels, focusing on the growing prevalence of obesity and diabetes across Europe. The meeting was hosted by Croatian MEP Romana Jerkovic and brought together policymakers, healthcare stakeholders, and patient advocates.
ECPO President Diana Castillo and patient advocate Natasja Wijling represented ECPO during the discussions. Also contributing to the meeting was Christian Peterson, representing Denmark and his organisation. Natasja Wijling and Christian Peterson both took part in a panel discussion focused on prevention strategies, early intervention, and the need for integrated care pathways that better support people living with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Later in the day, Diana Castillo joined a dedicated panel on lived experience and policy strategies. This session explored how European policies can improve access to care, reduce inequalities, and tackle the stigma that continues to affect people living with obesity.
Reflecting on the meeting, Natasja Wijling highlighted the importance of a respectful and person-centred approach to care. She noted that the discussions reinforced a shared message that obesity and type 2 diabetes require personal, holistic treatment, free from blame and shame. She emphasised the need to move away from oversimplified narratives and stressed the importance of people-first language, as well as encouraging healthcare professionals to ask for permission before discussing weight.
Stigma was a central theme throughout the meeting. Natasja underlined that as long as obesity is not consistently recognised and treated as a chronic disease, stigma will continue to exist. One contribution that resonated strongly with participants questioned why repeated treatment failures would be accepted in other diseases, such as cancer, but are often tolerated when it comes to obesity.
The presence and active involvement of patient advocates, particularly through sharing lived experience, was widely welcomed by attendees. Their contributions were recognised as essential to shaping effective, compassionate, and realistic policy responses. Overall, the meeting was seen as a positive and constructive step towards more inclusive and informed European action on obesity and diabetes.
