The pandemic of excess weight (overweight and obesity) is one of the most important and complex public health issues worldwide. Obesity increases the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers, which are leading causes of death. Globally, the prevalence of obesity has almost tripled since 1975, and despite decades of interventions, no country has yet succeeded in reversing its trends in the adult population.

Inequality is also overweight. Low- and middle-income countries are the most affected by this problem. As countries' income increases, the burden of excess weight shifts from higher to lower social class groups, with the most socially disadvantaged groups in middle-income countries currently being the most affected. Latin America is one of the most unequal regions in the world, and approximately half of its population is overweight, with an important social gradient in its distribution.

This Policy Dialogue will be an opportunity to analyze, debate and reflect on one of the main public health challenges of the 21st Century: the pandemic of overweight and obesity, and its inequalities. During the seminar-debate Natalia Tumas will present key aspects of this complex problem, and will present some results of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie OE-ILAC project on social and gender inequalities in overweight in Latin America. This will be followed by an intersectoral debate with special guests who have recognized expertise and trajectory in this field, and an open dialogue in which active participation of attendees is encouraged.

Title: “The (over)weight of inequality”

Date/time: Wednesday, March 1st at 17h30.

Location: UPF Campus de la Ciutadella, Mercè Rodoreda 24.104. There will also be the possibility to follow online via streaming (registration required). The link will be sent to all participants by email the day before the event.

Registration and more information at the following link: bit.ly/3lyB5qR