Interest Group Members

MEP Romana Jerkovic

MEP Michalis Hadjipantela

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MEP Marta Temido

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MEP Laurent Castillo

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MEP Nicolás González Casares

MEP Sebastian Everding

MEP Aurelijus Veryga

MEP Manuela Ripa

MEP Nikos Papandreou

MEP de la Pisa Carrión

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MEP Francesco Torselli

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MEP Dario Nardella

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MEP Kefalogiannas

Become a Member

How does the group work?

MEPs for Action on Obesity is an unofficial grouping of Members of the European Parliament who aim to pave the way for a comprehensive EU policy framework for action on obesity. The Group acts as the leading platform for MEPs to gather and discuss the need to classify obesity as a health and societal priority and the importance of addressing obesity as a gateway to several other NCDs and complications.

There are several expectations for the Group and its members.

The group will maintain a balanced representation across political groups, Parliamentary Committees, nationalities and gender.
The group will convene at least 2 events per year.
Members and their assistants will meet once per year to discuss the group’s objectives and priorities for the year ahead.
The Secretariat will communicate with Members regularly to share updates, provide evidence-based information on all aspects of obesity care and management, and on the activities of the Group’s Members.
The group will involve other stakeholders in its activities as appropriate.
The Group and its Members will commit to advocating for EU action on obesity.

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Declaration of Intent

MEPs for Action on Obesity is an unofficial grouping of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who support elevating obesity as a priority on the EU public health and policy agenda. This group convenes MEPs who have an interest in driving forward EU-level action on obesity to promote prevention, improve screening and diagnosis, ensure access to treatment and care, and overall improve the quality of life for people living with obesity in the EU. It is the leading platform where MEPs meet to discuss the importance of recognising obesity as a health and societal policy priority, due to its nature as a complex disease and as a gateway to several other NCDs.

Members of the group recognise obesity as a chronic non-communicable disease that is a gateway to over 230 other NCDs and associated complications. More specifically, members recognise that addressing obesity requires coordinated, cross-sectoral EU action.

The Members of the group will act according to the following core principles:

Evidence-based: all positions and activities will be based on scientific research and evidence.
Transparency: the group will operate in a transparent manner, disclosing all relevant interests, affiliations and engagements with stakeholders.
Respect and Inclusivity: the group will be open to members of all political groups, nationalities and genders. All members will use inclusive, person-centred language.
Collaboration: Members will work cooperatively with one another and with EU institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
Public Health Focus: the group will prioritise the health and wellbeing of European citizens, maintaining a focus on people living with obesity.

The Members of the group commit to:

Supporting informed discussions with leading experts, health professionals, and people living with obesity.
Raising awareness of obesity as a health and societal priority and working to reduce stigma and inequalities faced by people living with obesity.
Championing EU policies that prioritise obesity prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management and ensuring that obesity is included in all relevant health policies.
Working across political groups and committees to ensure obesity is addressed in relevant EU policies and initiatives.
Supporting EU initiatives that promote health equity and address the broader social, economic and environmental determinants of obesity.
Mobilising momentum toward a comprehensive EU Action Plan on Obesity that encourages the implementation of national obesity plans across Member States.

With this declaration, the members of MEPs for Action on Obesity affirm our intent to operate in a transparent, ethical and collaborative manner in our efforts to prioritise obesity at the EU level.

Mission Statement

Obesity is one of the most pressing health and societal challenges in Europe, and it is projected that 30% of Europeans will be living with obesity by 2030. It is a complex, chronic disease and an important gateway for many non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, liver and kidney disease, and several types of cancer.

MEPs for Action on Obesity is an unofficial grouping of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who support elevating obesity as a priority on the EU public health and policy agenda. This group convenes MEPs who have an interest in driving forward EU-level action on obesity to promote prevention, improve screening and diagnosis, ensure access to treatment and care, and overall improve the quality of life for people living with obesity in the EU. It is the leading platform where MEPs meet to discuss the importance of recognising obesity as a health and societal policy priority, due to its nature as a complex disease and as a gateway to several other NCDs.

Members commit to work together to pave the way for a comprehensive EU policy framework for action on obesity, as well as pushing for obesity to be addressed alongside other NCDs.

The Group will act as a knowledge hub and a forum to explore opportunities for the EU to address obesity across the disease spectrum, reduce stigma and ultimately improve the lives of people living with obesity.

In short, the mission of MEPs for Action on Obesity is to:

Elevate obesity as a priority on the EU public health and policy agendas.
Promote evidence-based, person-centred and sustainable approaches to obesity prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management.
Address the social, economic and environmental determinants of obesity in line with the EU’s commitment to reducing health inequalities.
Strengthen EU action through cross-sectoral policies that support healthier environments, reduce stigma, and foster innovation in care pathways
Provide a platform in the European Parliament for dialogue, collaboration and advocacy with stakeholders, experts, citizens, and people living with obesity.

Through these efforts, MEPs for Action on Obesity and its members intend to drive forward the European Parliament’s work on obesity as an important health and societal priority.

Declaration of Intent (PDF)

Mission Statement (PDF)

Why become a member?

MEPs will stay up to date on the latest scientific developments and best practices across Member States and will have the opportunity to engage with leading researchers, health professionals and patient representatives.

Visibility

MEPs will benefit from building connections with a broad range of obesity stakeholders and be recognised as a Parliamentary leader on obesity, a topic that impacts millions of Europeans.

Members of the group will participate in high-level events and dialogues that shed light on obesity as a health and societal priority and more broadly on health policy.

Impact

MEPs will make a tangible impact on public health policy by supporting efforts to address obesity and its related diseases. By promoting policies that reduce stigma and inequalities and improve quality of life, MEPs will help make a positive difference for people living with obesity. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact the Secretariat.

Join MEPs for Action on Obesity

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Profile Consent

I consent to my name and picture being published on the MEPs for Action on Obesity website

Membership Consent(Required)

I hereby acknowledge my membership in the MEPs for Action on Obesity will be terminated once I no longer serve as a Member of the European Parliament and in the case I associate with promotion of non-evidenced based messages related to health.

The Secretariat

The Secretariat for MEPs for Action on Obesity is provided by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO).

EASO is the leading voice of obesity science, medicine, and community in Europe, representing scientists, healthcare professionals, physicians, public health experts and patients. Established in 1986, EASO is in official relations with WHO Europe and currently represents 40 national associations and over 200 accredited specialist treatment centres.

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