World Obesity Day 2026: 8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity

This blog commemorates World Obesity Day 2026 by sharing a selection of Springer Nature journal articles, collections, ISRCTN clinical study registrations and Research Communities blog posts chosen by our publishers.
World Obesity Day 2026: 8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity
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By 2035, half of the world’s population, around 4 billion people, are expected to be living with overweight or obesity. Poverty, stigma, unequal access to education and healthcare, limited availability of healthy food, and environments that do not support healthy living all shape risk and outcomes across the life course.

World Obesity Day 2026 is a call to action for all 8 billion of us. Together, we can change the story of obesity.

Highlights from Springer Nature journals 

Mental Health

Research in this category calls attention to the influence of mental health on obesity and vice versa. A systematic review explores the relationship between obesity phenotypes and mental health issues, suggesting that obesity, especially with metabolic issues, is linked to higher risks of mental health problems and lower quality of life. A prospective cohort study analysed data from 219,086 participants from the UK Biobank and found that obese individuals experiencing moderate to high levels of loneliness had a significantly increased risk of developing mental disorders.Together with a qualitative study showing how link workers can help people with severe mental illness overcome challenges to accessing weight management programs, these papers highlight the link between obesity outcomes and mental health.

Support models and interventions

These papers highlight practical, scalable approaches that can make a meaningful difference to obesity levels in populations. Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes have been implemented in various regions to combat obesity and chronic diseases. A recent study focused on Washington State’s 2009 soft drink syrup tax found that it led to a notable decrease in obesity rates, with reductions of 2.2 to 4.0 percentage points relative to a synthetic control group. Another study assessed the effects of a controlled intervention on the nutritional status and ultra-processed food consumption of children with obesity in Brazil. The results indicated a notable decrease in ultra-processed food intake among participants in the intervention group, underscoring the potential of structured dietary interventions.  Collectively, they show the value of implementing interventions aimed at improving health outcomes.

Explore more research articles and books here.

Open collections calling for submissions 

Collections to read again

You can also revisit a range of past Springer Nature collections that explore key themes in obesity, including food security in high-income nations, medical and surgical treatment of obesity to improve reproductive health, and the effects of modern lifestyle dynamics, nutrition, and industrial compounds on human metabolism.

ISRCTN The UK's Clinical Study Registry

These studies explore innovative approaches designed to reduce obesity levels, from testing whether AI-powered personalised dietary advice is better than a general dietary advice at improving the health and dietary habits of individuals at higher risk of non-communicable diseases (ISRCTN12293803) to exploring what happens when supermarkets voluntarily restrict price promotions on unhealthy foods (ISRCTN23476580). Together, these studies highlight practical, evidence‑informed tools and strategies being developed to better support people living with obesity and to help prevent obesity in the first place by creating healthier food environments and more personalised, sustainable dietary guidance.

Springer Nature Research Communities  

This Behind the Paper post outlines a study by Raubenheimer et al. in BMC Global and Public Health which analysed global interest in semaglutide for non-diabetic weight loss, revealing significant search trends from January 2021 to August 2023 across 27 countries, with notable peaks linked to media events.

Conclusion

If you want to get involved in World Obesity Day this year, you can visit the official website for tools and guidance to help you care for yourself every day, not just on WOD.

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Follow the Topic

Obesity
Life Sciences > Health Sciences > Clinical Medicine > Diseases > Nutrition Disorder > Obesity
Nutrition
Life Sciences > Health Sciences > Health Care > Nutrition
Malnutrition
Life Sciences > Health Sciences > Health Care > Nutrition > Malnutrition
Health Care
Life Sciences > Health Sciences > Health Care
Public Health
Life Sciences > Health Sciences > Public Health
SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing
Research Communities > Community > Sustainability > UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) > SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing

Related Collections

With Collections, you can get published faster and increase your visibility.

Communication in primary care

BMC Primary Care is calling for submissions to our Collection Communication in primary care. Effective communication in primary care is crucial for fostering strong patient-doctor relationships and enhancing health outcomes. This Collection aims to explore the various dimensions of communication within primary care settings, including patient-doctor interactions, the role of health literacy, and the dynamics of shared decision-making. By investigating these elements, we can better understand how communication influences patient experiences, satisfaction, and adherence to treatment plans.

The significance of communication in primary care has gained heightened attention, particularly in light of recent advances in telehealth and digital health technologies. These innovations have transformed traditional communication methods, presenting both opportunities and challenges for healthcare providers. Additionally, effective communication strategies have been shown to improve patient engagement, reduce misunderstandings, and promote collaborative care. As healthcare systems increasingly prioritize patient-centered approaches, understanding and enhancing communication practices is essential for delivering high-quality primary care.

Continued research in this field may lead to the development of novel communication frameworks and training programs that equip healthcare providers with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of patient interactions. This could result in more effective shared decision-making processes, ultimately improving health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Additionally, advancements in technology may facilitate more personalized communication strategies, bridging gaps in understanding and fostering stronger patient-provider relationships.

In this Collection, we welcome submissions that cover a wide array of topics, including but not limited to:

- Strategies for enhancing patient-doctor communication

- Health literacy and patient engagement

- Impact of technology on healthcare communication

- Shared decision-making in primary care

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

Publishing Model: Open Access

Deadline: Jul 30, 2026

Indigenous health and well-being

BMC Primary Care is calling for submissions to our Collection, Indigenous health and well-being. Historically, Indigenous communities have faced significant health disparities driven by systemic inequalities, cultural disconnection, and barriers to accessing healthcare. This Collection seeks to address these issues by gathering research that highlights the unique health challenges faced by Indigenous peoples, including chronic diseases, mental health issues, and the impact of social determinants on health outcomes. By amplifying Indigenous voices and perspectives, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of their health needs and aspirations.

The significance of researching Indigenous health lies in its potential to inform and transform healthcare practices, policies, and systems to achieve health equity. As research grows, we anticipate developments in the field of Indigenous health that may lead to the co-creation of innovative healthcare models. By fostering collaborations between Indigenous communities and healthcare providers, there is potential for enhanced accessibility, culturally appropriate care, and the development of policies that prioritize Indigenous health and well-being. Future studies may also uncover new insights into the role of traditional practices in modern healthcare systems, ultimately bridging the gap between Western medicine and Indigenous healing practices.

In this Collection, we welcome submissions that span a wide array of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Barriers to healthcare access for Indigenous populations
  • Community health initiatives in Indigenous communities
  • Health equity strategies for Indigenous well-being
  • Cultural competency in Indigenous healthcare

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

Publishing Model: Open Access

Deadline: Aug 05, 2026