Perspectives by Bupa Global

Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges facing the world. More than 650 million people are living with the disease*, with that number rising quickly. Despite this, not only have Governments and industry failed to act, but obese people are openly stigmatised by wider society. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the health risks, and inequalities, facing those with obesity, but it has finally provided the motivation to address this global health crisis. As a leading healthcare provider, we believe we must act now before it’s too late. For this Perspectives session Patrick Watt (Commercial Director, Bupa Global) hosted a panel of leading experts including Dr Philip Schauer (Director of Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at Louisiana State University) and Johanna Ralston (CEO, World Obesity Federation). They shared their views on tackling obesity’s social stigma, and the role that business must play to ensure sustainable health for everyone.

* www.weforum.org (opens in a new window)