Obesity: A New National Strategy Promises Better Care, but Major Challenges Remain
France has introduced its 2026–2030 roadmap for obesity care, aiming to improve patient support, strengthen coordination between healthcare professionals and make appropriate treatment more accessible. Despite the measures announced, an important question remains: will the strategy be enough to meet the needs of everyone affected by obesity?
Obesity remains a major public health concern. Recognised as a complex chronic disease, it is influenced by multiple factors, including biology, genetics, psychological well-being, social circumstances and the environment. Its consequences extend beyond body weight, potentially affecting physical health, mental well-being and overall quality of life.
Building on existing healthcare initiatives
Unveiled in January 2026, the roadmap builds on earlier national initiatives, including the 2010–2013 Obesity Plan and the 2019–2022 roadmap. Its objective is to strengthen existing services while improving how obesity care is organised across the country.
The strategy focuses on three main priorities: identifying people at risk or living with obesity at an earlier stage, strengthening specialised care networks and improving training for healthcare professionals involved in patient support.
The programme includes eight measures and 22 operational actions. It covers children and adults, including those who may require medical or surgical treatment. It is also designed to work alongside France’s National Nutrition and Health Programme, which addresses primary prevention through healthier eating, physical activity and efforts to reduce sedentary behaviour.
Unequal access to care remains a concern
One of the main challenges is ensuring that patients can access appropriate treatment regardless of where they live or their financial and social circumstances. In some areas, finding specialists, multidisciplinary teams and suitable healthcare facilities can still be difficult.
People living with severe or complex obesity may need support from several professionals, including doctors, dietitians, psychologists, physical activity specialists and, when appropriate, surgical teams. Coordinating this care requires time, adequate resources and an organisation capable of providing consistent follow-up.
The roadmap seeks to strengthen regional obesity care networks and expand the role of specialised obesity centres. Five additional centres were recognised in 2025, bringing the national total to 42. This represents progress in the organisation of services, but its practical impact will depend on whether these centres can meet local needs and coordinate effectively with community-based healthcare professionals.
Prevention cannot depend on patients alone
Addressing obesity involves more than medical appointments and dietary advice. Living conditions also matter. Food prices, access to balanced meals, opportunities for physical activity, working conditions and social inequalities can all influence people’s habits and health.
For this reason, treatment must be accompanied by broader prevention policies. The 2026–2030 roadmap primarily focuses on early identification, healthcare provision and patient support, while working alongside separate public health measures aimed at preventing obesity in the first place.
This distinction is important. Improving treatment for people who already have obesity is essential, but it cannot, on its own, reverse the wider increase in obesity across the population.
Training professionals and improving coordination
Another priority is strengthening the training of healthcare professionals and other people involved in patient support. Obesity is a complex condition that requires an individualised approach, taking into account each person’s medical history, circumstances and specific needs.
Care must also avoid judgement and stigma, which can discourage people from seeking medical advice or undermine their relationship with healthcare services. Respectful, long-term and multidisciplinary support is therefore essential.
The roadmap aims to improve professional expertise and create better-coordinated care pathways. However, achieving these objectives will require sufficient resources, effective cooperation between healthcare providers and sustained monitoring of progress.
An ambitious strategy that must deliver results
France’s 2026–2030 roadmap establishes a national framework for improving obesity care. It reflects a commitment to organising services more effectively, identifying patients earlier and strengthening the skills of the professionals involved.
However, announcing objectives does not automatically translate into better outcomes for patients. Success will depend on implementation, effective access to specialised services, continuity of care and the ability to reduce geographical and social inequalities.
Ultimately, the challenge will be to turn the strategy into measurable improvements: shorter waiting times, support tailored to individual needs and a better quality of life for people living with obesity.
