In February 2024, a special team appointed by Iceland’s Minister of Health in 2021 completed its mandate to address the complex issues surrounding obesity, body image, health, and well-being. The team, composed of experts and stakeholders from various health and social sectors, has published a final report recommending Iceland adopt a comprehensive strategy to improve public health over the next decade.
The report lays out a set of key goals to guide Iceland’s approach to these challenges through 2034, with an emphasis on enhancing general public health, increasing healthcare resources, and combating stigma. Its primary recommendations include focusing on citizens aged 40 and younger, promoting a deeper understanding of obesity’s causes and treatments among healthcare providers, and launching a systematic effort to reduce fat stigma and discrimination both within healthcare and society.
Another critical priority identified is increasing the availability of treatment options for individuals with obesity and improving equitable access to care. These strategic goals reflect a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive health environment, empowering healthcare providers with the knowledge needed to foster positive health outcomes for all.
Following the report’s publication, representatives from SFO, Iceland’s patient-led obesity organization, met with the Minister of Health in September 2024 to discuss the findings and urge the government to advance the recommendations. During the meeting, SFO highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration to ensure patient perspectives remain central to the strategy’s implementation. The Minister of Health responded positively, reaffirming a commitment to collaborative action to turn these recommendations into tangible progress.
The long-term vision set out in the report marks an important step toward a healthier, more inclusive Iceland, where health policies reflect the needs and voices of all citizens.