Together with the Center for the Study and Research on Obesity (CSRO) of the University of Milan, 3 scientific societies, and 177 professors and scientists from around the world, we have sent a letter to the United Nations ahead of the Fourth High-Level Meeting (HLM4) on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health.

We’re urging a radical shift in the global response to obesity — moving away from outdated, prescriptive solutions toward a science-based approach that promotes personal agency.

The current path isn’t working

For too long, public health strategies have relied on simplistic and prescriptive tools:

• taxes
• front-of-pack warning labels like Nutri-Score
• advertising and marketing bans

These measures are ineffective because they ignore the true nature of obesity — a multifactorial pandemic, not merely a nutritional issue.
Obesity is shaped by a complex intersection of factors: genetics, metabolism, cognitive processes, environment, and socio-economic conditions.

We propose a new strategy built on 3 pillars:

1. Acknowledge complexity. Act accordingly.

   It’s time to go beyond calories and nutrient thresholds.
   We must adopt an integrated approach that includes: balanced diets, portion awareness, mental health support, sustainable food systems, and access to care.

2. Empower through education — not coercion.

   Lasting change starts with knowledge.
   Citizens, especially the youngest, must be empowered with education, critical thinking, and awareness — to make informed choices, not forced ones. Let’s create environments that support healthy, voluntary decisions, not guilt and restrictions.

3. Embrace innovation and personalization.

   AI, wearables, and digital tools are transforming prevention.
   Let’s invest in personalized nutrition and digital health that offer individuals tailored pathways to well-being — without demonizing entire food categories or traditional diets. Real-world data, not ideology, should guide policy decisions.

A warning to UN negotiators

Avoid the illusion of progress through symbolic policies like warning labels or taxes.
Every measure must be rigorously assessed:

• Does it truly reduce obesity and promote well-being?
• What are the economic, social, and cultural costs?
• What are the unintended consequences?

It’s time to rethink obesity policies

We need a future-ready, inclusive strategy that puts people — not politics — at the center. Let’s build a world where longer, healthier lives are within everyone’s reach.