20 Reasons to Attend the 2025 Your Weight Matters National Convention

by Mckinzie Burrows, OAC Senior Communications Manager

Spring 2025

Mark your calendar! The Obesity Action Coalition’s (OAC) Your Weight Matters National Convention is returning July 24-26, 2025, in Washington, DC—and you’re invited to the nation’s leading event for individuals seeking expert education and empowering support for their weight and health journey.

Since 2012, this powerful, in-person convention has equipped thousands with science-based information, meaningful connections and a community that truly understands.

As OAC celebrates 20 years of education, advocacy and support, we’ve got plans to make this year’s convention an inspiring milestone celebration you won’t want to miss!

20 Reasons You Can’t Miss YWM2025

1. Learn Something New! Our science-based education dives deep into weight, exploring why it’s so complex and what actually works—from nutrition and mental health to treatment options and behavior change strategies.

2. You’ll Love the Experts! We bring together leading names in obesity medicine, nutrition, psychology and more. Plus, we’re excited to welcome back fan-favorite Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, bestselling author and celebrity dietitian, who is speaking on “The Joy Loop” this year!

3. Beyond “Eat Less, Move More.” Forget outdated advice. Our sessions explore the real science behind weight, including biology, genetics, environment and mental health.

4. Celebrate 20 Years with Us! Join us for special 20th Anniversary programming, including a gala celebration, a Community+ Member Mixer, a dinner/dance party and more.

5. Fitness for Every Body – Enjoy fun, low-key exercise sessions tailored for all abilities and sizes—led by instructors who truly understand.

6. An Inspiring Location. Washington, DC is packed with history and culture. Make your trip a mini-vacation and explore monuments, museums and top-rated restaurants.

7. Every Detail, Thoughtfully Planned. From speakers to session topics to menu choices, everything is designed with the needs of our attendees in mind.

8. Feel Supported and Empowered. Connect with a community that understands the real challenges of managing weight—and will lift you up.

9. An Action-Packed EXPO Hall. Discover 20+ vendors showcasing innovative products and services to support your weight and health journey.

10. Earn Up to 13.5 CE Credits. Healthcare professionals can learn alongside patients and gain valuable information to enhance their practice while earning Continuing Education (CE) credits.

11. Hands-on Workshops for Real-Life Challenges:

• Family workshops for children, teens and parents navigating weight together
• Mental vs. behavioral health in obesity care
• Goal-setting strategies to turn your intentions into action

12. Have Lunch with the Experts. Join small roundtable conversations and get advice directly from top health professionals.

13. Make Lifelong Friendships. Many attendees say they found their closest friends at the convention—friendships that last far beyond the event.

14. Costume and Dance Party! Our famous themed party is back! Dress up as your favorite era—past, present or future—enjoy a delicious buffet, and dance the night away!

15. Get to Know the OAC’s Story. In honor of our 20th Anniversary, take a behind-the-scenes look at how the OAC began, what we’ve accomplished and the people driving our mission.

16. Empower Your Family. Learn from a top pediatric obesity expert on creating stigma-free, supportive environments that encourage healthy habits for kids and loved ones.

17. Explore Every Treatment Option. From medical and surgical care to behavioral therapies, leading experts will help you understand all pathways to obesity treatment.

18. Recharge Your Motivation. Managing weight is a marathon, not a sprint. Leave with renewed energy, fresh perspectives and a reminder that you are not alone.

19. Be Part of Something Empowering. This isn’t just another convention. Learn how the OAC is changing how obesity is understood and addressed—fighting stigma, advocating for better care and expanding access to treatment. You’ll leave knowing how you can make a difference.

20. Because YOU Matter. If there’s one takeaway, let it be this: You are worth investing in, and this convention made built with your needs in mind.

Make Your Plans to Attend!

We strive to make the cost of attending our convention as affordable as possible. Our registration rates include:

• Single-Day Registration – Starting at $87 per day
  • Includes access to that day’s educational sessions and the EXPO Hall

• Full Convention Registration – Starting at $165
  • Includes all educational sessions, workshops, tickets to included meals and evening social events, participation in group exercise sessions, EXPO Hall access, and an official Convention T-shirt, bag and commemorative pin

• Full Convention with CE Credits – Starting at $220
  • Everything in the Full Convention Registration, plus the opportunity to earn up to 13.5 Continuing Education (CE) credits for nurses and some health professionals

Register today at YWMConvention.com!

Reserve Your Room in Washington, DC!

We’re excited to host our 2025 Convention at the beautiful Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel, located right in the DC area. Our host hotel is minutes away from historic monuments, museums, restaurants, and just a mile from Ronald Reagan International Airport and the Crystal City Metro.

Reserve your room for just $169/night (Single/Double Occupancy)—a special discounted rate for attendees!

• Reserve online at YWMConvention.com
• Or call (703) 413-1300 and mention OAC’s 2025 Your Weight Matters National Convention

Hear What Others Are Saying!

“That first Convention experience changed everything. I found understanding. I found community. I found answers to questions I had been afraid to ask about weight and health. And most importantly, I found a place where I didn’t have to explain myself—where people simply got it.” — Nikki, Maryland

“The OAC Convention is so welcoming to people from every state and from around the world, for that matter. I have met so many wonderful new friends and incredible people from all walks of life, all of us on a journey to a healthy life. Which is why I come to experience friendship and at the same time get science-based information about my weight and health management in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment.” — Nancee, Minnesota

“It’s been life-changing because when you come here, you’re not an outcast. Nobody is staring at you because you’re the biggest person in the room. You’re in a room with people who have been through this and understand what you’re going through being a person with obesity.” — Jeff, Massachusetts

“My favorite part of attending the OAC’s National Convention is reconnecting with friends and meeting new ones and also attending the workshops and lunch with experts. It’s an opportunity to learn from professionals and other individuals who are on the same journey. The organizers ensure that there is no judgment. Everyone is approachable, kind, and respectful.” — Kevin, California

YWM2025 Program Agenda

Thursday, July 24

9:00 am – 3:00 pm        Advocacy Hill Visits (select attendees)

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm        Thrive Together Program Attendee Meet & Greet

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm        OAC Community+ Member Mixer

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm        Evening Event: Special OAC Welcome (details coming soon)

 

Friday, July 25

7:00 am – 8:00 am        Morning Exercise

8:00 am – 8:45 am        Breakfast

9:00 am – 9:25 am        Event Welcome: 20 Years of Impact—The OAC Journey – Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO;

Kristal Hartman, OAC Immediate-Past Chair; and Nikki Massie, MA, OAC Chair

9:25 am – 10:05 am       Breaking the Code: The Science of Weight and How to Use it to Your Advantage

– Robert Kushner, MD

10:05 am – 10:45 am     Weight Bias and Stigma: Changing the Narrative for Good – Mary Himmelstein, PhD

10:45 am – 11:25 am     Winning Together: How Families Can Overcome Weight Struggles and Build Healthy Habits

– Stephen Cook, MD, MPH

11:30 am – 12:00 pm     Break

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm      Lunch/Lunch with the Experts

1:15 pm – 3:15 pm        Workshop Option 1: Turning Intentions into Action (Goal-Setting) – Paul Davidson, PhD

1:15 pm – 3:15 pm        Workshop Option 2: Mental Health vs. Behavioral Health: What’s the Difference in Your Obesity

Care Journey? – Robyn Pashby, PhD

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm        Afternoon Exercise

4:30 pm – 6:00 pm        Break

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm        Dinner and Era-Themed Dance Party!

 

Saturday, July 26

7:00 am – 8:00 am        Morning Exercise

8:00 am – 8:45 am        Breakfast

9:00 am – 9:25 am        Day Two Opening: Building the Next Chapter of OAC – Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO; and

Nikki Massie, MA, OAC Chair

9:25 am – 10:05 am       Patients as Advocates: Real Stories, Real Impact – Tracy Zvenyach, PhD, MS, RN

10:05 am – 10:45 am     The Joy Loop: How Happiness Can Supercharge Your Health – Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN

10:45 am – 11:25 am     The Connection Between Mental Health and Obesity: Why it Matters – Robyn Pashby, PhD

11:30 am – 12:00 pm     Break

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm      Lunch/Lunch with the Experts

1:15 pm – 3:15 pm        Workshop Option 1: Thrive Together Program Attendees

1:15 pm – 3:15 pm        Workshop Option 2: Turning Intentions into Action (Goal-Setting) – Paul Davidson, PhD

1:15 pm – 3:15 pm        Workshop Option 2: Mental Health vs. Behavioral Health: What’s the Difference in Your Obesity

Care Journey? – Robyn Pashby, PhD

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm        Afternoon Exercise

4:30 pm – 6:00 pm        Break

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm        20th Anniversary Gala

Note: We continue to add to the Program Agenda, so visit YWMConvention.com for updates!