Forum in Athens Highlights Obesity as a Public Health Crisis

For the first time in Greece, representatives from across the scientific community, government, public health organisations, and patient associations came together for a shared dialogue on obesity at the Forum “Obesity: a Public Health Crisis”, organised by Imeroessa.

The event marked an important milestone, bringing together institutional stakeholders, healthcare experts, and civil society in recognition that obesity is a disease requiring coordinated, multi-sectoral action.

Government and Expert Contributions

Opening the Forum, Deputy Minister of Health Irini Agapidaki outlined state interventions targeting childhood obesity, while Professor Ioannis Manios, Director of the European Center for Obesity Prevention, presented national initiatives already underway.

Giorgos Mavrotas, Secretary General of Sports, emphasised the importance of ensuring access to sports and physical activity for all, including individuals living with obesity.

Directors of the Regional Health Authorities—Nektarios Papavasileiou, Ilias Theodoropoulos, and Dimitris Tsalikakis—showcased prevention and public awareness programs developed within their regions.

International contributions enriched the discussion, with Maria João Gregório, Director of Portugal’s National Program for Healthy Nutrition, sharing successful obesity management models, and Judit Pettkó, President of the Hungarian Association for People Living with Obesity, participating on behalf of the Coalición Europea de Personas con Obesidad (ECPO).

Imeroessa’s Role and Ongoing Advocacy

As an active ECPO member, Imeroessa reaffirmed its commitment to supporting people living with obesity, promoting healthy nutrition, encouraging physical activity, and prioritising mental health. Its wide-ranging awareness efforts include school visits, seminars, walking routes, community events, and advocacy campaigns.

A key part of this advocacy is the call for the formal recognition of obesity as a disease in Greece. Imeroessa has engaged with government officials and presented its mission and strategic framework before the Hellenic Parliament’s Standing Committee on Research and Innovation.

New National Initiatives

Momentum continues at the national level. The Deputy Minister of Health recently announced on national television the free provision of innovative obesity medications, accompanied by mandatory follow-up with healthcare professionals and dietitians. This step reflects a broader shift toward comprehensive and structured care for severe obesity.

In parallel, a new digital application was unveiled to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices across all age groups, aiming to foster a new culture of prevention and wellness.

A Path Forward

For Imeroessa, collaboration is the foundation of progress:

“Real change can only be achieved through coordinated, multi-faceted efforts—and at Imeroessa, we are deeply committed to this mission.”

Obesity is a complex, chronic disease—but with joint action, prevention strategies, and effective treatment pathways, it can be addressed.