World Obesity Day

On the occasion of World Obesity Day, the national educational campaign was promoted today at the National Gallery “Chifte Amam” “Circle of Support – to make weight easier”, organised by the Scientific Association for Obesity OBEM, with the support of the Ministry of Health, the Health Insurance Fund of the Republic of North Macedonia and the World Health Organization.

The event was also addressed by the Director General of the Health Insurance Fund, Mr Sasho Klekovski, who emphasised that obesity represents one of the most serious health challenges of contemporary society.

“Obesity is a health challenge of the 21 century and is closely linked to lifestyle habits, physical inactivity and the modern diet. Therefore, the Health Insurance Fund gives its full support to this campaign, whose aim is to raise public awareness and encourage social dialogue on the prevention and management of this growing health problem”
- Klekovski emphasised.

In addition to supporting the campaign, the Fund also points to the need for an open social debate on two significant factors that contribute to the increase in obesity – excessive consumption of sweetened drinks and highly processed food (so-called “junk food”).

In that direction, the need to consider the possibility of introducing a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB – Sugar Sweetened Beverage Tax), a measure that has been introduced in more than 110 countries around the world in the last decade, was emphasised. The aim of this measure is to reduce the consumption of drinks with added sugar, and for the funds collected from this tax to be directed towards health programmes and preventive activities.

At the same time, the need for a ban on the sale of “junk food” in schools, as well as the need for a redesign of school meals, with a greater presence of fresh and healthy food, was again emphasised. In addition, the importance of supporting initiatives such as school gardens, which have a significant impact on forming healthy habits among children, was also highlighted.

The Health Insurance Fund also provides support for modern medical treatments for obesity, including drug therapy and bariatric surgery, but experts stress that these treatments can deliver lasting results only if they are accompanied by long-term lifestyle change, healthy eating habits and increased physical activity.

The campaign “Circle of Support – to make weight easier” aims to raise public awareness of obesity as a chronic disease, encourage greater institutional and social support, and help create an environment that encourages citizens to lead a healthier lifestyle.

You can watch the video from the event here.