A Global Milestone, Celebrated at Home
On September 25, 2025, Obesity Matters received the prestigious United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force Award on Non-Communicable Diseases for excellence in obesity prevention and management. That recognition came to life on November 13, 2025, when we gathered with our community to celebrate this shared milestone shaped by courage, compassion, science, and lived experience.
Board Chair Sandra Elia opened the evening by sharing the unexpected journey to New York and reflecting on the heart behind our organization—founded by four women with lived experience—and the intention behind its name: to remind the world that people living with obesity, matter.
Building on the theme highlighted at the Global Obesity Forum, Sandra Elia was joined by dietitian Alissa Steinberg to lead a compelling discussion on ultra-processed foods and their impact beyond metabolism — including mental health, energy, relationships, and the food environment. The conversation came to life through a vibrant homemade marinara sauce demonstration, transforming the Forum’s global call to action into something practical, cultural, and deeply human.
In true Oscar-style tribute, Obesity Matters Advisors Dr. Sandy Van and Dr. Gillian Mandich invited advocates, clinicians, and partners to the stage to share what this global recognition truly means to them. Throughout the program, we heard powerful reflections from voices across the Obesity Matters ecosystem — including community advocates Al Martin and Angela Martin; healthcare partners Dr. Sean Wharton and Dr. David Macklin; community partner Gina Livy; and nominators Evelyne Bergevin and Dr. Naresh Aggarwal.
Community Voices
“I’ve been very fortunate, but for me, it’s been the social stigma… being name-called my whole life. What this group has brought me is a voice and confidence I’ve never experienced before. And to stand up and say, ‘I do matter.’ That matters.”
— Angela Martin, Community Advocate
“If this award means anything, it means recognition and respect for the most stigmatized individuals in all of healthcare — people living with obesity. And Obesity Matters truly stands for that.”
— Dr. David Macklin, Healthcare Partner
“Obesity Matters offers a consistent and respectful alternative to the judgments too many patients still encounter in clinical care. Their free, inclusive, and science-based programming addresses not only the physical aspect of health, but also the emotional and systemic barriers that often go unacknowledged.”
— Evelyne Bergevin, UN Award Nominator
“People felt safe asking deeply personal questions, and every time, the response was met with genuine love and compassion. Obesity Matters has built a community like no other.”
— Dr. Naresh Aggarwal, UN Award Nominator
Each story echoed the same truth: this movement is built at the powerful intersection of lived experience, clinical care, and community leadership.
A Recognition That Belongs to All of Us
Founder & Executive Director Priti Chawla presented the official UN Award certificates to co-founders Rosemarie Childerhose and Sandra Elia, and acknowledged Rachel Atkins, recognizing their unwavering leadership since inception. In her remarks, Priti reflected on how Obesity Matters was born from lived experience, strengthened during COVID-19, and evolved into the OM Wellness Workshop now recognized on the global stage.
This milestone validates five years of community-driven impact and affirms that when lived experience leads, empathy guides, and science supports, real transformation becomes possible. This recognition belongs to every participant who showed up, every partner who believed, and every advocate who refused to accept the status quo.
Support Our Mission
With your support, we can expand the OM Wellness Workshop to reach more communities, advance policy change, reduce stigma, and share this model globally. Every gift helps us continue providing free programming, building advocacy tools, and restoring dignity and hope for people living with obesity.
For more information, contact:
Priti Chawla
priti@obesity-matters.com | 416-565-9722
Check out the photos from the event
Gallery
event at the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly. Photo by Enrique Shore for WHO
event at the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly. Photo by Enrique Shore for WHO
event at the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly. Photo by Enrique Shore for WHO
