Obesity Action Coalition’s Your Weight Matters 2025 National Convention

The Obesity Action Coalition’s 13th annual Your Weight Matters National Convention was a three-day, in-person event designed to equip attendees with the tools needed to take charge of their weight and health and to shape a better world for people with obesity. Close to 300 individuals from across the globe came together for an inspirational weekend packed with science-based education, hands-on tools and a community of unwavering support.

This year’s YWM2025 Convention was a milestone celebration marking the OAC’s 20th Anniversary. The weekend featured record-breaking advocacy efforts, the largest youth and family program to date and the most scholarships ever awarded—making it one of the most impactful conventions in OAC history.

Learning, Growing and Taking Charge of Health

The YWM2025 National Convention crowd was made up of individuals eager to learn from the experts and explore all the ways to take charge of their health journey.

The lineup featured speakers with diverse backgrounds in obesity medicine, nutrition and mental health. Expert-led sessions covered topics such as the science of weight, weight bias and stigma, the connection between mental health and obesity and how families can overcome weight struggles and build healthy habits.

By the end of YWM2025’s educational sessions, attendees walked away with practical tools and science-based strategies to support their personal health goals and inspire their next steps.

Advocating for a Better Future for People with Obesity

The OAC aims to change the world for people living with obesity and we can not do it without the voices of our OAC Community. In celebration of our 20th Anniversary, YWM2025 brought together 75 advocates from almost 30 states for the largest Advocacy Hill Day in OAC history.

Organized into 14 teams, participants—many visiting the Hill for the first time—met with Members of Congress in 59 total meetings to share personal stories, highlight barriers to care and push for policies that improve access to prevention, treatment and research. By the end of the day, advocates left energized and equipped with the tools to continue challenging weight bias, fighting for care equity and making their voices heard back home.

Thrive Together: Supporting Youth and Families

This year we celebrated our most successful year yet for the Thrive Together Program, bringing 20 families from across the country to Washington, DC. This program offers tailored support and resources for youth and families facing challenges like weight management, body image and mental health in a safe, inclusive environment.

Throughout the weekend, families learned the science behind effective obesity care while building lasting connections. It was incredible to see the teens’ faces light up when we announced next year’s convention in Orlando. Watching them connect with peers their own age—people who truly understand their journey—was inspiring and reminded us all how powerful community can be.

As we look back on YWM2025, one thing is clear—this community is stronger, more connected and more determined than ever to create a better world for people living with obesity. From the powerful advocacy on Capitol Hill to the breakthroughs in education and the joy of youth finding their place, every moment reflected the heart of OAC’s mission. We carry that energy forward to next year’s YWM2026 in Orlando, ready to keep learning, advocating and growing—together.

YWM2025 National Convention events were proudly supported by multiple reputable companies in the health industry. National Sponsors supporting OAC’s 2025 Convention events include: Platinum Level — Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk; Gold Level — Boehringer Ingelheim; Silver Level — Amgen and Rhythm Pharmaceuticals; Bronze Level — Boston Scientific, Currax Pharmaceuticals, Genentech, seca, Wave Life Sciences; Patron Level — Bariatric Advantage, Zealand Pharma. To learn more, please visit YWMConvention.com