by OAC President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Nadglowski

For many people affected by obesity, the journey can feel incredibly lonely.

It can be filled with frustration, isolation and, at times, shame. Even as remarkable advances continue to improve obesity treatment and care, many individuals still struggle to find something just as important: a sense of belonging.

So where do you find a community that understands what you’re experiencing?

At the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), our answer is the Your Weight Matters National Convention.

The Your Weight Matters National Convention is the nation’s leading patient-focused educational event on obesity, bringing together respected healthcare professionals, researchers, scientists and advocates who are dedicated to helping people take charge of their weight and health. Attendees gain access to science-based education, practical tools and the latest information on obesity care.

But while education is the foundation of the Convention, the community is what truly makes it special.

Year after year, attendees tell us that one of the most meaningful parts of the experience is realizing they are not alone. They find people who understand their challenges, celebrate their successes and offer encouragement without judgment. Friendships are formed, support systems are built and many attendees leave feeling more connected than they have in years.

At the Your Weight Matters National Convention, we strive to:

  • Welcome people wherever they are on their journey with weight and health. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options, have been working toward your health goals for years, are navigating a new chapter in your journey, or whether your body is big or small, or bigger or smaller than in the past, you belong here.
  • Remind people that obesity does not define who they are. Each person brings unique experiences, talents and perspectives that extend far beyond a number on a scale.
  • Create a space where individuals can show up as themselves. No explanations required. No judgments. Just a community built on understanding, respect and support.

The OAC Community believes that everyone deserves dignity, respect and support, and that no one should have to navigate their journey alone.

If you’re looking for education, you’ll find it at YWM2026. If you’re looking for practical tools, you’ll find those too.

But if you’re looking for a community that understands, supports and welcomes you exactly as you are, that may be the most valuable part of all.

Join us in Orlando in less than two months and experience it for yourself. Learn more at YWMConvention.com.

Because at the Your Weight Matters National Convention, everybody is somebody.