An ad hoc planning committee will plan and conduct a one-day public workshop that will feature invited presentations and discussions on effective communication of issues related to obesity, providing an overview of the current communications environment and addressing the complexity around identifying key audiences and developing targeted messages to improve communications.

Workshop presentations will focus on communications strategies to reach specific intermediary audiences (e.g., policymakers, parents, employers, teachers/school administrators) who influence decisions on obesity-related topics such as nutrition, physical activity, wellness, prevention, and treatment (and bridging the gap between prevention and treatment, including individuals who already have obesity).

The workshop will also explore the challenges around communications about obesity issues, including aligning the messages shared with what individuals hear (and act on); addressing obesity bias and stigma through communications; and addressing misinformation. The workshop will feature perspective(s) of individuals that live with obesity.

The planning committee will define the specific topics to be addressed, develop the agenda, and select and invite speakers and other participants. A proceedings of a workshop--in brief and full workshop proceedings of the presentations and discussions will be prepared by a designated rapporteur in accordance with institutional guidelines.