Your Health Matters Summit 2025

Inspire Change. Build Connection. Advance Wellness.

Join us for a powerful day of conversations, connections, and real-world strategies focused on whole-person health, community resilience, and practical well-being.

📍 Event Details

Date: June 8, 2025
Location: The Old Mill, 21 Old Mill Road, Toronto, ON. M8X 1G5 + Virtual Access
Parking: Complimentary parking available; validation provided at the event
Summit: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Networking Reception: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (refreshments provided)
Cost:
- In-Person: $40 (includes gourmet meal, refreshments & networking)
- Virtual (Zoom): Free

We are committed to making this event accessible to all. If cost or transportation is a barrier to attendance, please reach out to Priti at priti@obesity-matters.com — we’d love to have you join us.

🌟 Why Attend

Engage in inclusive conversations with experts, community leaders and advocates
Gain evidence-based insights to support personal and community wellness
Join bold, honest discussions shaping the future of care
Build meaningful connections in a vibrant, stigma-free environment
Enjoy a gourmet lunch and exclusive in-person networking opportunities

📋 Agenda

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Registration and Breakfast

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Welcome Remarks
Sandra Elia (Chair, Obesity Matters) & Andrew Locker (Advisor, Obesity Matters)
An opening welcome to set the stage for an inspiring day focused on community, resilience, and whole-person health.

10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
The Heart of Health: Cultivating Love, Compassion, and Happiness
Dr. Sean Wharton & Dr. Gillian Mandich
In this uplifting session, Dr. Sean Wharton and Dr. Gillian Mandich will share how self-compassion, connection, and purpose support thriving—especially amid rising stress and loneliness—revealing why emotional well-being and belonging are essential foundations for lasting health.

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Life in Balance: Hormones, Health, and Hope
Dr. Megha Poddar
From PCOS, sexual health to menopause, Dr. Megha Poddar will unpack how hormones impact health at every stage—debunking myths, highlighting overlooked symptoms, and sharing evidence-based strategies to support balance, self-advocacy, and confidence through each phase of hormonal and reproductive health.

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Morning Break

11:30 PM – 12:45 PM
Changing Systems, One Story at a Time
Facilitated by Dr. Peter Selby
Dr. Peter Selby will lead a powerful, participatory session on “story weaving,” featuring advocates Angela Martin, Al Martin, and Matt Larsen. Discover how honest storytelling can challenge stigma, shape policy, and drive systemic change—because every voice has the power to inspire.

12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
Lunch

1:45 PM – 2:15 PM
Body Image, Stigma, and the Age of Anti-Obesity Medication
Dr. Sandy Van & Sandra Elia
Dr. Sandy Van and Sandra Elia will challenge image-driven health narratives, revealing how social media fuels body image distress. They’ll share why obesity care must be compassionate, personalized, and holistic—using tools like pharmacotherapy while redefining success beyond the scale.

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
Your Voice in Action: Shaping the Future Together (Live Audience Challenge)
Facilitated by Andrew Locker and Lisa Machado
In this high-energy session, you’ll unite to spark ideas, elevate your voice, and help ignite a movement rooted in the spirit of our community. Expect fun, fresh perspectives, and genuine connection — with no pressure, no judgment. Just creativity, collaboration, and a chance to be part of something meaningful.

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Afternoon Break

3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Resilience….The Secret Skill to Success
Dr. David Macklin
What does it really take to sustain change in the face of setbacks? In this thought-provoking session, Dr. David Macklin will explore the science and psychology of resilience — and why it may be the most underrated skill in achieving lasting health and personal success. Learn how to build mental flexibility, bounce back from challenges, and reframe failure as fuel for growth.

3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Final Words and Meeting Conclusion
Priti Chawla
Closing reflections and a look ahead toward building a healthier future — together.

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Networking Reception

Spots are limited — register today!

In-person: On Eventbrite

Virtual: On Zoom

Discover how we can build a healthier future — together!