Your Health Matters Summit 2025: A Gathering of Hearts, Minds, and Momentum
On June 8, 2025, more than 250 individuals gathered in person at The Old Mill Toronto and virtually across Canada for the Your Health Matters Summit, hosted by Obesity Matters. This year’s event was more than a health conference — it was a vibrant meeting ground for advocates, healthcare professionals, researchers, policy makers, payers, community members, and industry leaders who came together with one shared belief: that wellness must be rooted in empathy, equity, and human connection.
From the very beginning, the atmosphere was different. There was warmth in the room. People weren’t just exchanging ideas — they were sharing lived experiences. The Summit created space for honest conversations, the kind often left out of traditional healthcare settings. It invited vulnerability, offered validation, and challenged stigma. For many, it was the first time they felt truly seen in a discussion about health.
Throughout the day, the programming reflected this deep sense of intention. Sandra Elia and Andrew Locker opened with an invitation to be fully present — setting the tone for a people-first experience. Dr. Sean Wharton and Dr. Gillian Mandich reminded us that emotional well-being is not separate from physical health but foundational to it. Dr. Megha Poddar walked attendees through the complexities of hormonal health at various life stages, making it approachable and relatable.
One of the most powerful sessions featured advocates Angela Martin, Al Martin, and Matt Larsen, whose personal stories — guided by Dr. Peter Selby — showed how storytelling can become a tool for systems change. Later, Dr. Sandy Van and Sandra Elia confronted appearance-based bias head-on, pushing back against the narratives that continue to harm people living with obesity and affirming the need for compassionate, individualized care.
The momentum only grew during “Your Voice in Action,” a high-energy session where attendees brainstormed bold, creative campaigns for wellness, fundraising, and awareness. Their ideas — spontaneous, smart, and full of heart — offered a glimpse into what’s possible when community drives change.
The day closed with a keynote from Dr. David Macklin, who spoke with clarity and inspiration about the role of resilience in long-term health. His words were a reminder that health journeys are not linear — and that success looks different for everyone.
Behind the scenes, none of this would have been possible without the dedication of the organizing team, volunteers, and generous partners who made the day not only successful but meaningful. To our speakers, who brought both evidence and empathy; to our attendees, who showed up with courage and curiosity; and to every supporter — thank you. You helped build more than a summit. You helped build a movement.
As we look ahead, the work continues. Session recordings will be made available soon, and we invite you to stay connected through our upcoming workshops and community events. The 2025 Your Health Matters Summit was a clear reminder: when people feel safe enough to show up as they are, real change becomes not just possible — it becomes inevitable.
Event Photos
