Obesity specialists are meeting in Madrid to discuss the health, social, economic and employment impacts of obesity

Experts from the health, scientific, academic, institutional, economic and social sectors gathered today in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid, as part of the El Escorial Summer Courses, to take part in the conference ‘Obesity: a social and economic challenge’, an event organised by OPEN Spain – Obesity Policy Engagement Network, in collaboration with Novo Nordisk Spain and the Complutense University of Madrid.

The conference featured Dr Susana Monereo, head of the Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risk Unit at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital and a member of OPEN Spain, who was one of the coordinators of this session, which aimed to broaden the perspective on obesity and analyse it not only as a health issue, but also as a psychosocial, economic and workplace challenge.

During the event, various aspects of this chronic, complex and multifactorial condition were addressed, ranging from its impact on health and quality of life to its consequences in the workplace, emotional wellbeing, productivity, indirect costs, absenteeism, social determinants and the need to create healthier environments.

“Obesity must be understood as a chronic, complex and multifactorial condition. The aim of this conference has been to broaden our perspective and analyse it not only as a health issue, but also as a psychosocial, economic and workplace challenge,” said Dr Susana Monereo.

The session included a keynote lecture by Ángel González, Head of Health Research at the OECD’s Health Division, as well as the presentation of the results of the study ‘Self-perception of weight and coping with obesity’, with the participation of Dr Francisco Tinahones Madueño and Prof. Gema Frühbeck, both members of OPEN Spain.

Two round-table discussions were also held, focusing on the impact of obesity on the world of work and on psychological and social wellbeing. These sessions were attended by experts and representatives including Dr Felipe Casanueva, Araceli López-Guillén, Javier Redondo, Manuel García-Goñi, Pilar Fernández-Fígares, Dr Andreu Palou, Sagrario Pérez, Manuel Franco, Gonzalo Hervás and Federico Luis Moya, amongst others.

One of the main messages of the conference was the need to integrate the approach to obesity into occupational health strategies and public policies, with measures aimed at prevention, early detection, workplace adaptation, a safe return to work and the promotion of healthy habits.

“The workplace is a key setting for tackling obesity, both because of its impact on productivity, absenteeism and the well-being of workers, and because of its capacity to drive real and sustained interventions,” emphasised Dr Monereo.

The conference also focused on the psychological and social dimensions of obesity, as well as the importance of listening to the voices of people living with this condition. In this regard, the need to avoid judgement, set realistic goals, recognise the diversity of situations and ensure appropriate support was emphasised.

“It is not possible to tackle obesity without addressing its social and emotional determinants. We need a holistic, multidisciplinary and person-centred response,” stated the head of the Obesity Unit at Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital.

The hospital’s participation in this conference, through Dr Susana Monereo, reinforces the institution’s commitment to a comprehensive approach to obesity, based on scientific evidence, prevention, specialised care and collaboration between professionals, institutions, businesses, researchers, civil society and patient organisations.

“The major challenge is not merely to continue generating evidence, but to translate it into action: measurable public policies, comprehensive occupational health programmes, healthier community environments, accessible psychological support and healthcare that recognises obesity as the chronic disease that it is,” concluded Dr Monereo.

The conference concluded with addresses by Dr Susana Monereo and Pilar Jimeno, Director-General of Health Inspection and Planning at the Regional Ministry of Health of the Community of Madrid, bringing to a close a meeting aimed at fostering the dialogue and collaboration needed to move towards a more effective approach to tackling obesity in Spain.