It is estimated that more than one billion people worldwide are living with obesity, and the number continues to rise in Japan as well. In Japan, obesity is defined as a condition requiring medical intervention: having a BMI of 25 or higher, along with obesity-related health complications (or the likelihood of developing them) that make weight reduction medically necessary.
While it is essential to improve access to care and strengthen healthcare systems for those in need of medical treatment, obesity also has genetic factors and is often linked to socioeconomic and psychological challenges. For this reason, it is necessary to take a comprehensive, life-course approach that incorporates education, prevention, health promotion, and social support.
HGPI will continue to make recommendations to raise the interest of society as a whole in obesity and obesity-related issues.
![[Event Report] The Health and Global Policy Institute Chronic Disease Control Project Holds Advisory Board Meeting for “Engaging and Cooperating with Patients, Citizens, and Communities for Obesity Prevention” (September 22, 2022)](https://hgpi.org/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/ncd-ob-20220922-top.jpg)