Launch - If I could share one thing with you about working with people with obesity - Insights from OT Specialists in Ireland
Elearning resource for members and non members
Today, March 4th 2026, is World Obesity Day and it calls on people all over the world to unite in the fight against obesity. AOTI Living with Overweight or Obesity Advisory Group (LOOAG) was established in 2021 to reflect the rise in overweight and obesity amongst children and adults in Ireland. We wanted to mark this important day by creating an e-learning resource for all AOTI members to share our insights as specialist OT’s in this area.
Occupational Therapists have always worked with people living with obesity and overweight (PLWO) and other chronic diseases. We appreciate the complex interplay between biopsychosocial and environmental factors on a person's ability to not just function but live whole meaningful lives.
Last year, World Obesity Day asked us to recognize the impact of our global systems on obesity. Prior to that it held a call to action against weight stigma. This year, it spotlights the benefit of ending obesity- for all of us, with a special focus on children.
Today we would like to share our insights with you in an e-Learning resource titled “If I could share one thing with you about working with people with obesity- Insights from OT Specialists in Ireland”
This video is available on the AOTI e-Learning Centre here: World Obesity Day Video
It is a free resource for AOTI members, so please log in to your AOTI account to view it.
Our intention is to share some of the tacit knowledge we have learned from our clients since our specialist services hired OT’s into post, in 2023. We are continually learning and supporting each other as clinicians so we think this informal recording of a conversation between us, might impart important messages in a concise way that might enhance your own practice.
We are certain it will broaden people’s understanding of obesity, the functional barriers to occupations of meaning and necessity and improve awareness of some of the main issues facing people with obesity and perhaps, how to approach them. Each clinician today will discuss the "one thing" that they feel is really important to share with their colleagues that they have learned from working with this amazing and inspiring community.
We invite you to enjoy this conversation between peers working in obesity services and reach out from your own practice for support or advice, when needed. We are a national resource for you and here to support you in your practice.
