The OAC’s annual Your Weight Matters Virtual Convention was a weekend-long online event designed to embolden our community while helping them develop a deeper understanding of their weight and health. This year, YWM2022-Virtual shifted its focus to prioritizing mental health and sharing our lived experiences. Attendees walked away feeling energized, motivated and inspired with newfound tools to apply to their everyday lives and a community of support to help them along the way.

YWM2022-Virtual Highlights

People affected by obesity from around the world joined together to live stream educational sessions, discuss weight and health topics and participate in Zoom social events. Participants spanned from the US and Canada to Denmark to Egypt. Many participants were first-time attendees learning the value of science-based education and support systems (we even caught a glimpse of these attendees making plans to connect offline to continue offering each other guidance and advice!)

Other notable highlights include the unforgettable presentations from leading experts in obesity medicine, psychology and research and the Virtual EXPO Hall featuring exhibitors offering helpful products and services in the weight and health industry. There were also live-streamed dance breaks to get us moving and having fun!

The Power of Empathy and Trust

The most profound moments of the weekend were the ones in which individuals shared their lived experiences. Using the chat feature of the online platform and the post-event social opportunities, YWM2022-Virtual became a space for us to be vulnerable, open and brave. Participants shared their struggles and heartache but found empathy and trust with one another. We learned first-hand that having a network of support and compassion helps minimize our feelings of shame.

What’s Next?

Don’t worry if you missed it – you can still register for After Hours Access to watch all of the session recordings! And there is more to come at YWM2022-Engage, our re-envisioned, in-person event designed for those who want to take that deeper dive into weight and health education, while also focusing on making connections and learning how to take action to advance our cause. For more information about OAC’s Annual Convention including YWM2022-Engage, please visit YWMConvention.com and sign-up for E-News alerts to get the latest updates. You can also stay connected with our social media pages and website at ObesityAction.org.

YWM2022 Convention Events are proudly supported by multiple reputable companies in the health industry. National Sponsors supporting OAC’s 2022 Convention events include Gold – Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk; Bronze –Currax, Geisinger, Rhythm, Wondr Health, WW (formerly Weight Watchers). The OAC continues to accept National Sponsors and exhibitors for its 2022 Convention events.