On October 28th, the event “Obesity – Time to Act” was held at the Portuguese Parliament, spotlighting the urgent need to strengthen Portugal’s national strategy on obesity. Organized by the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (SPEDM) and the Portuguese Society for the Study of Obesity (SPEO), the conference also marked 20 years since obesity was officially recognized as a chronic disease in Portugal.
The opening panel featured remarks by Dr. Ana Abrunhosa, president of the Health Committee of the Portuguese Parliament; Jacqueline Bowman, co-founder of the “Foundation for the Rights of Citizens with Obesity (Adipositas Pact)”; and Commander Carlos Oliveira, president of both the Portuguese Association of People Living with Obesity (ADEXO) and the European Coalition for People Living with Obesity (ECPO). Each underscored the importance of advocacy, patient rights, and collaborative solutions in addressing obesity.
Key stakeholders in public health and policy contributed to the discussions, including Dr. Maria João Gregório, director of the National Program for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (PNPAS); Dr. Helena Farinha, from the executive board of the National Health Service (SNS); and Dr. Carlos Robalo Cordeiro, coordinator of the Monitoring Group for the Health Emergency and Transformation Plan. Professors José Silva Nunes and Paula Freitas, leaders of SPEO and SPEDM respectively, moderated the debates.
Members of parliament Dr. Francisco Sousa Vieira (PSD), Dr. Susana Correia (PS), and Dr. Pedro Frazão (Chega) brought legislative insights into the discussions, highlighting the importance of policy support in the fight against obesity. The event underscored a collaborative approach to reshaping Portugal’s response to obesity, emphasizing both preventive and therapeutic strategies.