Obesity in the Americas: Priorities in Prevention, Nutrition, and Intersectoral Action from PAHO
Description:
Within the framework of the Fourth International Conference of the Obesity Research Institute (IOR) of Tecnológico de Monterrey, Dr. Vanessa García Larsen, head of the Communicable Diseases and Risk Factors Unit of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), will deliver the keynote lecture titled: "Obesity in the Americas: Priorities in Prevention, Nutrition, and Intersectoral Action from PAHO." Dr. García Larsen leads PAHO's regional strategies in nutrition, chronic diseases, and the prevention of diet and lifestyle-associated risk factors from Washington D.C. With experience at institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the University of Birmingham, her work has focused on population nutrition, global health, and non-communicable diseases.
Impact Data:
Key data from PAHO reveal that more than 60% of adults and 33% of children and adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean live with overweight or obesity. Globally, over 800 million people suffer from obesity, whose prevalence has tripled since 1975, according to WHO. This situation represents a growing threat to public health and healthcare systems. In her presentation, Dr. García Larsen will provide a strategic overview of the regional policies driven by PAHO to address this crisis, including regulations on the food environment, nutritional labeling, promotion of healthy school environments, and reduction of consumption of ultra-processed products. She will also share successful case studies from the region and reflect on the challenges of implementing these strategies effectively and sustainably. The presence of PAHO at the IOR 2025 Conference highlights the commitment of this academic meeting to promoting evidence-based policies, intersectoral dialogue, and international cooperation to combat obesity at all stages of life. Ultimately, the conference will serve as a call to action for researchers, policymakers, civil society actors, and international organizations to work together for a common agenda of obesity prevention and health promotion throughout life.