Understanding global obesity care: Why MAPPS II matters and how you can contribute
Healthcare systems around the world face a critical challenge: providing equitable, effective obesity care and prevention services to everyone who needs them.
At the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, we’re working to bridge the gaps in how obesity is addressed globally - and more importantly, how we can do better.
That’s where the project comes in.
What is MAPPS?
MAPPS II builds on the foundation of our original MAPPS project from 2018, which revealed significant disparities in obesity services - especially in lower-income regions and rural areas, where treatment and management were often limited or completely inaccessible.
This isn’t just about mapping services. MAPPS II aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of global health systems, while also exploring the social and commercial factors that influence how obesity care and prevention are delivered. We're focusing on three key areas:
- Evidence generation: Gathering robust data on the current state of obesity care around the world
- Coalition building: Uniting stakeholders to strengthen advocacy and action
- Policy engagement: Using real-world insights to inform policy decisions
Why MAPPS II matters
Access to obesity care shouldn't depend on where you live or how much you earn.
Through MAPPS II, we’re working to uncover what’s working, where the gaps are, and how we can create change - together.
“MAPPS is important because understanding the lived experience of people with obesity helps advocate for great policy. People change policy.”
“As a patient expert and vice president of ANATO, I think the MAPPS research is fundamental to understand the real experiences of people living with obesity. Listening to our voices at the global level will enable the visualization of inequalities, stigma, the barriers to treatment and move towards policies which are humane and based in evidence. MAPPS represents a unique opportunity for patients to be an active part of the change and to contribute to the transformation of health systems and the public perception of obesity.”
“Participating in the MAPPS survey allows us to share our experiences and perspectives on obesity care and policy. This research is essential for guiding better public health interventions at national, regional, and global levels.”
How you can contribute
Participation is simple - and your input can make a real difference.
We’re inviting people from across the obesity care ecosystem to take part by completing one or more surveys that reflect your experience and expertise. These surveys are designed to capture how obesity is treated in your country, how the political landscape influences action, and what societal factors help or hinder progress.
You can take part if you’re:
- (survey available in English, Mandarin, Brazilian Portuguese, and Spanish)
- (available in English, Mandarin, Brazilian Portuguese, and Spanish)
- (available in English, Mandarin, Spanish, French, Arabic, Hindi, Brazilian Portuguese, isiZulu, and Japanese)
The surveys are quick to complete, but the insights you share will help shape the future of obesity care. Findings will be shared through reports and publications once the study concludes in December 2025.
Join the movement
MAPPS II is more than a research initiative - it’s a global movement for more equitable, effective obesity care.
Whether you’re a clinician, policymaker, researcher, advocate, or someone who has personally experienced the challenges of accessing obesity care, your voice matters.
By taking part, you’re helping us build a clearer, more inclusive picture of obesity care around the world - one that can drive better policies, stronger services, and better health outcomes for millions of people.
The path to better care starts with understanding where we are now. System change starts with you.
Get involved
To learn more about MAPPS II, how your data will be managed and access the surveys, visit the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø's project page. Your participation can help shape the future of obesity care globally. To get involved and receive all MAPPS II updates, you can register using this .
MAPPS