RE:SUMMIT 2026 takes on obesity, weight stigma and the science of weight management

When it comes to losing weight, the advice often sounds simple. Eat healthier, exercise more and make better choices. But for those who have struggled with their weight, the reality is rarely that straightforward.

In the UAE, where nearly two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, the conversation is shifting beyond diet and exercise. Greater attention is being paid to how mental health, social pressures and stigma influence people’s experiences with weight and the challenges of managing it.

These are among the topics being explored at RE:SUMMIT 2026 on November 7, which will be held at Madinat Jumeirah Arena in Dubai. Presented by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, the event is expected to bring together around 2,500 attendees, medical experts and regional personalities to explore the science of obesity and challenge common misconceptions about weight and health.

“Obesity is a complex chronic disease, and people deserve to understand what that means for their health and the care available to them,” said Tayllit Aherdan, general manager of Eli Lilly Gulf.

“By bringing familiar voices together with medical experts, we hope RE:SUMMIT will help people recognize something of their own experience, ask questions they may have held back, and feel more comfortable seeking appropriate support from a healthcare professional.”

Among the speakers is Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician-scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and associate professor at Harvard Medical School. Her work examines not only the biological complexity of obesity but also the weight bias and health disparities that can affect how people experience the condition and access care.

“What science tells us about obesity has advanced, and so has the way the disease can be managed,” Stanford said. “There is no single approach that is right for everyone. Care needs to consider the whole person: their body, their life and their goals.”

That means looking beyond diet and exercise alone. Stanford said treatment can also involve behavioral and mental health support, medication and, in some cases, surgery.

“Understanding that wider picture can help someone have a better-informed conversation with a healthcare professional about appropriate next steps,” she added.

The event comes as obesity remains a major public health challenge across the Gulf, where prevalence rates are among the highest globally, according to the World Health Organization.

Over the past several years, the UAE has stepped up efforts to tackle obesity through public awareness campaigns and preventive health measures. National surveillance data from the Ministry of Health and Prevention points to progress, with obesity rates among adults declining from 27.8% in 2018 to 22.4% in 2025,

Addressing these issues, Egyptian actor and comedian Ahmed Helmy will revisit his role in X-Large, exploring how the film portrayed weight and social acceptance and how attitudes have changed since its release.

Radio personality Kris Fade and content creators Hadeel Marei and Karen Wazen will also explore how social media, family expectations and everyday comments about appearance shape confidence and self-worth.

Beyond the discussions, attendees will be able to explore interactive installations that challenge common assumptions about weight, vote on questions for medical experts and sample dishes developed by clinical nutritionist Tina Chagoury in collaboration with the event’s culinary team.

As the UAE continues its efforts to tackle obesity, the challenge is no longer just about encouraging healthier lifestyles. It is also about changing how society understands the condition, moving away from judgment and blame toward greater awareness, informed choices and access to appropriate care.