The Obesity Action Coalition’s (OAC) annual Your Weight Matters Virtual Convention was a weekend-long online event designed to help individuals better understand their weight and health. This year, YWM2023-Virtual aimed to shift the narrative around obesity, emphasizing that obesity is not a person’s fault, but each of us has the power to take back control of our health. Attendees walked away feeling empowered, motivated and inspired with newfound tools to apply to their everyday lives and a community of support to help them along the way.
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 the globe, from the U.S. and Canada to Denmark to South Africa. Many participants were first-time YWM Convention attendees learning the value of science-based education and support systems. Other notable highlights include 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.
YWM2023-Virtual prioritized the need to change the narrative around obesity. Experts presented on topics such as the research behind the lived experience of people with obesity, how to apply behavioral therapy to your weight management plan and more, demonstrating that obesity is a disease that is not a person’s fault but a person’s biology. People with obesity are fighting against an environment promoting weight gain paired with a society ruled by weight bias. These are pressures that are difficult to overcome on our own, so it’s time to ditch the old “shame and blame” narrative and replace it with individualized, science-based treatment options.
Don’t worry if you missed the event – you can still register for After Hours Access to watch all of the session recordings at YWMConvention.com/live! If you are interested in learning more about OAC’s Annual Convention, including the upcoming in-person YWM2023-Engage Convention in Orlando, FL, near Walt Disney World®, on September 21-23, please visit YWMConvention.com.
YWM2023-Virtual was proudly supported by multiple reputable companies in the health industry. National Sponsors supporting OAC’s 2023 Convention events include Platinum – Eli Lilly; Gold – Boehringer Ingelheim and Novo Nordisk; Silver – Currax; Bronze – Geisinger, Wondr Health and WW. The OAC continues to accept National Sponsors and exhibitors for its 2023 Convention events. For more information, please contact the OAC at convention@obesityaction.org.
The Your Weight Matters Convention is an educational program proudly developed and hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition. In 2023, the OAC is pleased to bring two unique events to the Your Weight Matters Convention umbrella – YWM-Virtual (online) and YWM-Engage (in-person) – each designed to meet the diverse needs of the OAC’s Community. To learn more, please visit YWMConvention.com.