National Plan to Combat Obesity Urged Within a Year
Translated & summarized from TheMarker by baba
Galit Koptash, CEO of Novo Nordisk Israel, urged the next government to create a national obesity plan within a year, including a budget and defined responsibilities. She described obesity as a complex chronic disease requiring significant reforms and tailored support for sufferers. Koptash suggested adopting international best practices like healthy food standards in schools and ensuring continuous care across all life stages.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Novo Nordisk Israel CEO Galit Koptash called for a national obesity plan within one year.
- The plan should be multi-ministry, multi-year, and include defined responsibilities and metrics.
- Koptash described obesity as a complex chronic disease with biological, environmental, and emotional factors.
- She urged significant reforms, incentives for HMOs, and tailored support for those affected.
- International examples like mandatory healthy food standards in schools were suggested for adoption.
- Koptash stressed the need for cohesive government action involving health, education, and local authorities.
Galit Koptash, CEO of Novo Nordisk Israel, called on the next Israeli government to formulate and approve a national, multi-ministry plan to prevent and treat obesity within one year. Speaking at TheMarker Labels Obesity Conference, Koptash emphasized the need for a program with a multi-year budget, defined responsibilities for each stakeholder, and publicly reported quality and outcome metrics. She highlighted obesity as a complex, chronic, multi-systemic disease with biological, genetic, environmental, and emotional roots, stressing the urgency for decision-makers to address the growing trend.
Koptash advocated for significant reforms, incentivizing health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and employing all available means to combat obesity. While acknowledging the inclusion of adolescent treatment in the health basket as a positive step, she stated that much more needs to be done. She described the profound difficulties faced by children, adolescents, and adults suffering from obesity, emphasizing their desire to belong and the need for science-based, respectful, and tailored support.
Drawing on international examples, Koptash suggested Israel adopt measures such as mandatory healthy food standards in schools, as seen in England, and providing a daily meal for every student during the school day, as in Finland. She urged the government and public systems to act cohesively, reduce accessibility gaps, and ensure continuous care throughout life, involving the health and education systems, and local authorities. Koptash concluded by stating her personal commitment to ensuring Israel remains at the forefront of innovation and treatment for obesity, focusing on prevention and education for the next generation.
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