SFO Contributes to Icelandic National Workshop on Obesity

Reykjavík, May 2025 - Samtök fólks með offitu (SFO), the Icelandic Association for People Living with Obesity, played an active role in a landmark workshop on obesity, “United Front on Obesity Issues in Iceland”, held on May 5th, 2025 at Nauthóll in Reykjavík.

The workshop brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, patient organisations, and policymakers, with the shared goal of mapping key challenges, improving access to prevention and treatment services, and strengthening collaboration across the healthcare system.

Strong Patient Representation

SFO ensured that the voice of people living with obesity was central to the discussions. Sólveig Sigurðardóttir, Chair of SFO, and board member Rut Eiríksdóttir presented on the organisation’s mission to combat stigma, raise awareness, and advocate for equal opportunities in healthcare. Meanwhile, Guðlaug y Sveinn, also representing SFO, actively participated in the breakout sessions and working groups, providing valuable input from a patient perspective.

A National Effort

The workshop formed part of Iceland’s national action plan to implement recommendations outlined in the Ministry of Health’s 2023 report on obesity, health, and wellbeing. Participants exchanged insights, identified service gaps, and discussed practical next steps to strengthen obesity prevention and treatment across the country.

De cara al futuro

SFO expressed pride in contributing to this vital dialogue and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that people living with obesity are included in decision-making processes that affect their health and wellbeing. “We will continue to advocate for better services, respectful care, and equal opportunities for people living with obesity in Iceland,” said SFO Chair, Sólveig Sigurðardóttir.