PAN International Launches Global Campaign to Tackle Obesity
‘Nourish to Thrive: Overcoming Obesity Together’
The dramatic rise of obesity and its negative impacts on lives around the world is reason for PAN International’s launch of a global initiative, ‘Nourish to Thrive: Overcoming Obesity Together’, aimed to drive awareness and joint action with healthcare providers, doctors, and nutritional experts. This campaign underscores the need for a fundamental shift in the way obesity is understood, treated, and prevented—moving beyond restrictive approaches and embracing nutrient-rich, plant-based nutrition as a key strategy in tackling this pressing health crisis.
According to the World Obesity Federation, obesity is one of the world’s most significant public health challenges, with over 1 billion people worldwide currently living with obesity, including 159 million children. If current trends continue, over half of the global population (more than 4 billion people) will be affected by overweight or obesity by 2035. The economic impact is also staggering, with obesity-related costs projected to reach $4.32 trillion annually, nearly 3% of global GDP. The rise in type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers is directly linked to increasing obesity rates, making urgent action critical.
PAN International, together with its partners and national offices in many parts of the world, is committed to reframing the conversation—emphasizing that obesity is a disease that requires comprehensive, sustainable solutions rather than short-term interventions focused solely on calorie restriction.
A Paradigm Shift: Nourishing, Not Restricting
The ‘Nourish to Thrive’ campaign challenges outdated weight management strategies by highlighting the power of whole-food, plant-powered diets in combating obesity. Backed by emerging scientific research, this approach focuses on eating well rather than eating less, encouraging individuals to adopt dietary habits that not only promote healthy weight management but also support overall well-being.
Beyond personal health, adopting a plant-based diet plays a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability. Research shows that shifting towards plant-based nutrition significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, conserves water, and supports a more sustainable food system. Through this campaign, PAN aims to raise awareness about the interconnected benefits of addressing obesity while fostering a healthier planet.
A Call to Action for Healthcare Professionals & Policymakers
Through ‘Nourish to Thrive,’ PAN International Foundation is urging healthcare professionals, policymakers, and organisations worldwide to re-evaluate current obesity management strategies and adopt a nutrition-first approach that is backed by science, sustainable, and patient-centred.
The campaign will feature a series of global educational initiatives, strategic partnerships, and advocacy efforts to support professionals in guiding patients toward sustainable, health-promoting dietary changes.
Join the Movement
PAN invites individuals, healthcare professionals, and organisations to join the ‘Nourish to Thrive’ initiative and be part of a global effort to redefine obesity care.