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National Anti Obesity Day

Fight obesity and take charge of your health on National Anti Obesity Day! Get motivated with healthy recipes, exercises and lifestyle tips.

Thursday

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATENovember 26

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

November 26 is a day to recognize the importance of healthy lifestyles and preventing obesity - it's National Anti-Obesity Day! This special day was first created in 2004 by the World Health Organization as an effort to help people become more aware of how serious obesity can be. It's also a great opportunity for everyone to take action and make healthier choices that will benefit their physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall quality of life.

TIMELINE

National Anti Obesity Day Timeline

WHO Establishment

The World Health Organization (WHO) is established, later becoming a central figure in tackling obesity globally.

Obesity Recognition

By the 1980s, obesity begins to be recognized as a significant public health concern internationally.

Anti Obesity Day Creation

WHO creates National Anti-Obesity Day on November 26 to increase awareness about obesity and its complications.

WHO Action Plan

WHO develops an action plan to encourage physical activity and healthy diets, key components in preventing and managing obesity.

Obesity: A Global Epidemic

WHO reports in 2016 that more than 1.9 billion adults are overweight, of which 650 million are obese, marking obesity as a global epidemic.

COVID-19 and Obesity

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the added health risks faced by people with obesity, further emphasizing the need for awareness and action on obesity.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Anti Obesity Day

Go for a walk

Head outside and take a walk around your neighborhood or to your local park. Not only will you get some fresh air, but you'll also be getting some much needed exercise.

PLAN

Plan a healthy meal

Take the time to plan out a healthy meal for yourself, with ingredients that are low in fat and calories. Make sure to include lots of fruits and vegetables along with lean proteins.

SIGN

Sign up for a sport

Find an activity that you enjoy doing and sign up for it. Whether it's tennis, basketball, swimming, or even dance classes, joining a team sport is a great way to stay active and make friends.

ORGANIZE

Organize a hike

Get together with some friends and plan out a hiking trip near your area. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized during the hike.

START

Start exercising at home

Find exercise videos online or rent a DVD from your local library and start exercising at home. You can also find free workout routines on websites such as YouTube.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Anti Obesity Day is Important

It helps promote physical activity

Physical activity is an essential part of staying healthy and managing weight. On National Anti Obesity Day, people are encouraged to get out and be active! It could be something as simple as going for a walk or signing up for a gym membership - whatever works best for each individual's lifestyle!

It raises awareness of the health risks associated with obesity

National Anti Obesity Day serves to raise awareness of the many health risks that are associated with being overweight, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. By increasing knowledge about these serious medical conditions, people can make lifestyle changes that can potentially save their lives.

It encourages healthy eating habits

National Anti Obesity Day also serves to remind people that eating a balanced diet is important in maintaining a healthy weight. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and limiting processed foods can help reduce the risk of obesity.

Related holidays

National Obesity Awareness Week

During National Obesity Awareness Week, learn about health challenges, better nutrition and ways to foster an active lifestyle for a healthier you!

World Obesity Day

An awareness observance on March 4 raising awareness of the global obesity crisis and promoting practical solutions for prevention, understanding, and treatment of obesity.