Where Science, Compassion & Community Came Together
The 2026 Your Health Matters Summit brought together healthcare professionals, advocates, researchers, industry leaders, and individuals living with obesity for a powerful day centered on dignity, inclusion, evidence-based care, and community connection. Hosted by Obesity Matters at Toronto’s Liberty Grand, the summit challenged traditional conversations around obesity and reimagined what healthcare can look like when the person, not the system, is placed at the centre of care.
The day opened with welcoming remarks from Sandra Elia and Andrew Locker, who set the tone for a summit grounded in compassion, lived experience, and belonging. Throughout the day, speakers explored the realities of navigating obesity care in Canada, while emphasizing the importance of reducing stigma and improving access to person-centered, evidence-based support.
A standout session, Beyond the System: Navigating Care with the Person at the Centre, featured Andrew Locker, Gina Livy, Dr. Gillian Mandich, Dr. Sandy Van, and Dr. Sean Wharton in a meaningful conversation about the barriers individuals often face within healthcare systems. The discussion highlighted how obesity is influenced by biology, mental health, environment, and lived experience, not simply willpower, and reinforced the need for long-term, compassionate care models that treat the whole person.
The summit also explored the emotional side of health and transformation. During Confidence Conversations, Sandra Elia and Dr. Jennifer Salsberg discussed body image, confidence, and the evolving relationship people have with their bodies throughout different stages of their health journey. The session encouraged attendees to move beyond appearance-based definitions of confidence and toward self-compassion and authenticity.
Internationally recognized nutrition expert Dr. John Berardi delivered a compelling keynote, Finally Invited, where he challenged outdated narratives around weight and health. His presentation explored the science behind obesity, the growing role of GLP-1 medications, and why meaningful health change requires support, understanding, and inclusion rather than shame or blame.
Attendees also participated in practical wellness experiences throughout the day, including Nourish & Learn with registered dietitian Alissa Steinberg, which combined nutrition education with approachable food demonstrations focused on building balanced, sustainable meals.
More than a conference, the summit created space for joy, creativity, and connection. Talent at Every Size, facilitated by Dr. David Macklin and DJ, Dr. Zayna Khayat, celebrated the incredible spirit and talent within the Obesity Matters community through music, storytelling, movement, and self-expression. The session featured performances by community members, including songs by Dr. David Macklin and Maude Picotte, an energetic Bollywood dance performance and flashmob, and a lively atmosphere that invited attendees to celebrate together. DJ Zayna kept the energy flowing throughout the afternoon, turning the summit into a true celebration of belonging and community.
The day concluded with the 2026 Changemaker Awards, hosted by Dr. Gillian Mandich, recognizing individuals and organizations creating meaningful change in obesity care through advocacy, healthcare leadership, education, media, and community impact. A special highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Lifetime Changemaker Award to Dr. Peter Selby in recognition of his longstanding contributions to compassionate healthcare, addiction medicine, mental health, and obesity care advocacy in Canada.
Closing remarks from Priti Chawla reinforced the summit’s mission to build a future where people living with obesity are met with dignity, respect, evidence-based care, and the reminder that they do not have to navigate their journey alone.
Meet the Voices of the Summit
