Our Vision & Mission

A World Where Obesity Is Understood, Treated, and Overcome

"A world free from the burden of obesity, where every person living with this disease has access to compassionate, evidence-based care."

ISO envisions a future in which obesity is universally recognised as a complex, multifactorial, chronic disease — not a lifestyle choice — and where the full spectrum of effective interventions, from lifestyle medicine to pharmacotherapy to bariatric surgery, is accessible to all who need it.

We see a world in which healthcare systems in every country are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and policies to deliver integrated obesity care. Where patients are not blamed but supported. Where clinicians are trained, resourced, and empowered. Where obesity is managed by teamwork. And where the science of obesity medicine continues to advance for the benefit of all humanity.

Advancing Obesity Science, Education, and Policy Worldwide

The mission of the International Society of Obesity is to unite the global obesity medicine community — scientists, clinicians, researchers, public health professionals, and policy advocates — to accelerate progress against one of the most significant health challenges of our time.

We achieve this through four core activities:

Scientific Advancement — Supporting and disseminating high-quality obesity research, from basic science to real-world evidence, and fostering a global culture of evidence-based practice.

Medical Education — Delivering CME-accredited programs, guidelines, webinars, and e-learning that equip clinicians at every career stage and in every region of the world.

Policy Advocacy — Shaping national and international obesity policies, working with governments, health ministries, and global bodies like the WHO to ensure that science translates into action.

Community Building — Creating a genuinely global, inclusive community of obesity medicine professionals, with particular attention to advancing capacity in low- and middle-income countries.

What We Stand For

Scientific Integrity

Every position, guideline, and educational resource ISO produces is grounded in the best available evidence. We will not compromise scientific rigour for convenience, consensus, or commercial interest.

Person Centred Care

People living with obesity deserve dignity, respect, and individualised care. ISO champions a person-first approach and actively works to eliminate weight stigma from healthcare and society.

Global Equity

The obesity epidemic disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries. ISO is committed to ensuring that the benefits of modern obesity medicine reach clinicians and patients in every corner of the world.

Collaboration Over Competition

No single society, institution, or nation can solve the obesity crisis alone. ISO exists to convene, connect, and collaborate — building on the strengths of every partner and member organisation.

Education as a Right

Every clinician treating patients with obesity deserves access to the highest quality medical education, regardless of geography or resources. ISO is committed to open, accessible, CME-quality learning.

Translational Impact

Science only changes lives when it reaches practice and policy. ISO focuses relentlessly on bridging the gap between research findings and real-world clinical and public health outcomes.

Strategic Priorities