Weight Issues Network

Many Australians are living with overweight or obesity, and while weight issues have been seen in the media more frequently over the past few years, the voice of people living with overweight and obesity has been missing. In 2019, Weight Issues Network (WIN) was established. People living with overweight and obesity, passionate clinicians and health academics worked together to develop the purpose, objectives and guiding principles. It was agreed that WIN should be accessible for a broad range of people. This includes those with lived experience along with parents and carers, family members, friends, and passionate clinicians. With little funding, and through the hard work and passion of the board, volunteers, and members, WIN has become an influential advocate for respectful media representation of people living with overweight and obesity along with appropriate medical care and support. In 2019, WIN became an established Australian Charity, and in 2021 received its first government funding grant. WIN does not advocate for particular weight management approaches and does not provide treatment advice. Its focus is on supporting its members, reducing weight bias and stigma in the community; and improving care and treatment options for those who live with obesity. WIN supports those whose lives are affected by obesity. It does this by running regular community meetings, sharing scientific information about obesity, and providing a safe and judgment-free space for people to ask questions and share their own experiences and stories.