In 2022, the global population living with obesity exceeded one billion, and as a result, the number of patients suffering from chronic diseases caused by obesity has increased exponentially. Certain types of obesity, such as visceral fat obesity, are known to contribute to atherosclerotic diseases such as myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and obesity-related kidney disease, as well as dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes. These diseases continue to rank among the most prevalent conditions in Japan’s patient surveys, making urgent countermeasures against obesity and obesity-related diseases essential.

The Japan Society for the Study of Obesity defines obesity disease as “a medical condition that necessitates weight reduction due to the presence of obesity-related comorbidities, or because visceral adiposity is expected to lead to such complications”. In other words, obesity disease is not simply a state of being overweight but is positioned as a disease requiring specialized medical intervention. While obesity disease is considered to be influenced not only by genetic factors but also by underlying socioeconomic and psychological challenges, stigma persists in which obesity disease is viewed as a matter of individual responsibility, creating barriers to seeking appropriate medical care. It is therefore necessary to promote an accurate understanding of obesity disease among those affected, the general public, and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, there is a need to establish comprehensive support systems, such as awareness-raising and prevention across the life course, improvements to the surrounding environment, and the strengthening of healthcare delivery systems.

Currently, against the backdrop of increasing rates of obesity and severe obesity within populations, particularly in Western countries, some nations are placing greater emphasis on obesity disease countermeasures and advancing national-level policies. However, it should also be acknowledged that there are differences in prevalence, dietary patterns, and cultural contexts between Japan and those countries. Meanwhile, South Korea, which is also part of East Asia, shares many similar challenges with Japan regarding obesity. East Asians are more likely to develop impaired glucose tolerance even at lower BMI levels, and obesity-driven declines in insulin sensitivity substantially increases the risk of diabetes. Moreover, comprehensive obesity policies remain insufficiently implemented, lookism and stigma persist, and the experiences and voices of people living with obesity are not adequately reaching policymakers.

In this seminar, we will welcome Dr. Kim Yoohyun, Chair of Healthy Together Social Cooperative, who is also a family physician in South Korea and an obesity patient advocate actively engaged in policy advancement both domestically and internationally. Dr. Kim will deliver a lecture on the importance of advancing obesity-related policies that are grounded in the voices and experiences of those directly affected.

Building on an overview of South Korea’s healthcare system, Dr. Kim will broadly share the challenges faced by people living with obesity disease The seminar will also provide an opportunity to recognize the needs, barriers, and gaps between people with lived experience and policymakers in both Japan and South Korea, and to explore the next steps forward. Drawing on her extensive experience in both clinical practice and policy advocacy, Dr. Kim will also elaborate on future prospects for addressing unmet needs, as well as the potential contributions of Japan–Korea collaboration to advancing obesity disease policies across East Asia and globally.

[Event Overview]

• Speaker:
  Dr.Kim Yoohyun (Healthy Together Social Cooperative (Obesity Patient Advocacy Group) Chair / Family Physician / Board Member, Korean Society for The Study of Obesity)
• Date & Time: Tuesday, March 3, 2026; 18:00-19:15 JST
• Format: Online (Zoom webinar)
• Language: Japanese and English
• Participation Fee: Free
• Capacity: 500 participants

■Profile:

Dr.Kim Yoohyun (Healthy Together Social Cooperative (Obesity Patient Advocacy Group) Chair / Family Physician / Board Member, Korean Society for The Study of Obesity)

Dr. Kim Yoohyun is an Obesity Advocate, and the Founder & Chairperson of Healthy Together Social Cooperative in South Korea. Living with obesity since childhood, she combines medical expertise with empathy to pursue the mission: supporting both the body and mind of people living with obesity. She organizes online/offline peer groups, produces educational content, and provides stigma awareness and specialized training for healthcare professionals. She also engages in policy advocacy to improve obesity care. Alongside her role as a family medicine physician at Chaum Medical Check-up Center Samseong Branch, she envisions a society of dignity, support, and lasting health.