As the global obesity community came together in Malaga for ECO2025, the European Coalition for People living with Obesity (ECPO) proudly led the largest gathering of people living with obesity ever assembled at a global congress. This impactful presence was championed by the committed ECPO Operations and Leadership Team, in close collaboration with congress organisers Figur and hosts EASO.
A Spotlight on Patient Voices
ECO2025, the European Congress on Obesity, once again proved to be a pivotal event for advancing science, shaping health policy, and strengthening collaboration. But most importantly, it continued to serve as a platform where people living with obesity were not just included—they were central.
Led by ECPO’s Executive Director Vicki Mooney, and with the unwavering support of the wider leadership team, they brought together a diverse and inspiring delegation of patient advocates, all sharing real-world experiences that challenged stigma, shaped dialogue, and drove change. Their message resonated across the congress: “Addressing Obesity Together”.
Welcoming the Global Community
In a landmark moment for international patient advocacy, ECPO proudly welcomed the GOPA international patient community to ECO2025. This collaboration signaled the importance of a unified, global patient voice in the fight for better obesity care, support, and recognition. Together, ECPO and GOPA stood as a force for equity and inclusion—across borders and across health systems.
Gratitude to EASO and Our Supporters
ECPO extends heartfelt thanks to EASO (the European Association for the Study of Obesity) for their extraordinary support in enabling 70 patient advocates and other NCD representatives to attend ECO2025 as part of the ECPO initiative. This historic effort demonstrated a shared commitment to ensuring that patients are not just participants, but partners in the evolution of obesity care and policy.
We also offer our deepest appreciation to all of ECPO’s supporters, contributors, and friends—including national member associations, sponsors, allies in healthcare, and advocacy partners. Together, you helped ECPO bring the largest patient community ever to a global stage, making history for people living with obesity.
Honouring Our Leadership and Operations Team
This milestone achievement would not have been possible without the dedication, coordination, and vision of ECPO’s Leadership and Operations Team, who worked tirelessly for months to make ECO2025 a success.
- Diana Castillo, ECPO President
- Federico Luis Moya, Vice President
- Vicki Mooney, Executive Director
- Susie Birney, Operations Director
- Andrew Healing, Compliance and Communications Director
- Ken Clare, Project Manager and Mentorship lead
- Jason Halford, Scientific Advisor
- Solveig Sigurdardottir, Advocacy and Member Support
- Judit Pettkó, Treasurer & Membership Development
- Alison Lake, Project Management and Operations Support
- Katie Mitchell, Project Management and Education
Each one played a vital role in bringing together over 70 patient advocates and ensuring that their voices were represented, respected, and heard loud and clear in every corner of the congress.
Highlights from ECPO at ECO2025
- Dedicated Patient Lounge: A warm and inclusive space for rest, networking, and peer support.
- Powerful Patient-Led Sessions: Unforgettable stories and insights that brought science and humanity together.
- Unified Global Advocacy: ECPO and GOPA stood side by side—advocating for policy, access, and dignity.
- Widespread Media and Social Engagement: Live updates and behind-the-scenes moments shared ECPO’s impact with the world.
A Journey with ROSE
ECPO hosted a Journey with Rose which is a powerful photo documentary by Gisela Pretel that follows the lived experience of Rose, a woman living with obesity, over a period of five years. The exhibition used photography, audio, and video to explore themes such as stigma, self-esteem, and chronic disease. Through symbolic imagery and Rose’s own narration, it invited viewers to empathise and understand the emotional and social realities of obesity. The project aimed to humanise the condition and challenge societal perceptions.
Youth Advocacy
ECPO’s youth and young adult advocates took to the stage in two powerful sessions, bringing fresh perspectives and lived experience to the forefront. In “The Patients’ Voice: ECPO Youths”, Jamie Wiegertjes & Sveinn Runar Sveinson shared personal stories and detailed the importance of meaningful involvement in shaping obesity care. Later, in the Topic Session: The Transition to Adult Health Care, Jamie and Sveinn were joined by Mia Maloney in highlighted the unique challenges young people face moving from paediatric to adult services, calling for more inclusive, youth-centred approaches. Their contributions underscored the vital role of youth in driving change and shaping future health systems.
To further amplify the voices of younger individuals, ECPO distributed copies of the illustrated children’s book “Mum, What is Obesity?”—first launched at ECO2024 in Venice. The book offers a compassionate look at what it’s like for a child living with obesity, and was shared with delegates to encourage greater empathy and understanding.
Looking Ahead
Malaga was not just a congress—it was a turning point. A moment when patient voices didn’t just participate—they led. ECPO is proud to have brought together the world’s largest community of people living with obesity, united by a mission to challenge stigma, push for change, and demand better care.
As Vicki Mooney stated powerfully during ECO2025:
“We were not there to be observed. We were there to engage the scientific community and other stakeholders as equal partners.”
With continued unity, passion, and purpose, ECPO remains committed to changing the narrative—one voice at a time.