Following her impactful presence at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Málaga, ECPO President Diana Castillo continued her advocacy journey at the 13th Congress of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO) in Venice. Representing the European Coalition for People Living with Obesity (ECPO), Diana used the IFSO session to spotlight the lived realities of people with obesity, particularly women, and to call for more inclusive, patient-centred approaches in healthcare.
Diana was a featured speaker on a standout “Pink Panel” — a session moderated by women and composed entirely of female voices. The panel explored the role of women in healthcare, and Diana brought a powerful and deeply personal perspective as a patient advocate.
“I spoke about my own experience living with obesity,” Diana said. “It closed the doors to so many parts of my life — employment opportunities, access to medical care, and even social relationships.” She also emphasised the impact of stigma and the critical need for inclusive, respectful language when speaking to and about patients.
Her participation in this event reinforces ECPO’s core mission: to ensure people living with obesity are not only heard but valued as essential stakeholders in healthcare dialogue and decision-making.
At IFSO Venice, Diana was able to engage with leading clinicians, researchers, and policymakers in the field of bariatric surgery, advocating for stronger integration of patient voices in both surgical and non-surgical pathways of care. Her presence signified a growing recognition that the lived experience of patients is vital in shaping effective and equitable obesity treatment strategies.
With rising momentum behind global efforts to address obesity and challenge stigma, Diana’s voice — grounded in lived experience, resilience, and advocacy — is helping to transform how the world talks about obesity.