The past two years have put a spotlight on the health inequalities faced by people living with obesity and these inequalities have emphasised the need for more robust national obesity strategies and guidelines which support political and clinical decision-making on obesity and address current gaps.

Within this context and as part of ObesityWeek 2021, our panel of experts discussed current and upcoming obesity strategies and guidelines, reviewing what is currently working well and where efforts could and should be optimised.

In connection with the European Congress on Obesity 2021, our panel reviewed developments in Europe and looked at what is working well in current strategies and initiatives, what is missing, and provided further insight and guidance on what is needed to ensure government strategies incorporate a whole-systems approach to obesity.