Columna Medica Rehabilitation Center, Poland
February 9, 2025

The WPA in collaboration with the Patients Safety Foundation Poland and other partners, successfully organized a conference at Łódź, Poland. The conference effectively raised awareness about non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and obesity, highlighting their significant impact in Europe and Poland. Through insightful discussions and collaborative efforts, the event underscored the importance of addressing these pressing health challenges.

Special Medical Session
The conference began with an exclusive session for doctors, led by Dr. Małgorzata Szałapska from the Institute Mother and Child in Łódź, Poland. She provided valuable insights on treating patients with obesity, addressing both medical and psychological approaches.

Understanding and Managing Obesity
The sessions then shifted to obesity-related topics, including:
✅ Recognizing true hunger vs. emotional cravings
✅ Strategies to control food urges and reduce weight
✅ Practical steps for obesity management, presented by Magdalena Grobelna, a psycho-dietitian from the Institute Mother and Child in Łódź.

World Patients Day & WPA’s Role
A session was dedicated to World Patients Day, where participants learned about its history and the role of the World Patients Alliance in advocating for patient rights globally. The WPA Conference in Cape Town held on October 19 & 20, 2024 was also highlighted, and attendees shared their perspectives on the significance of such initiatives.

Healthy Food & Lifestyle Choices
Discussions covered essential topics such as:
✅ The importance of a balanced diet
✅ The role of supplements in maintaining health

The event concluded with a group lunch followed by a Nordic walking session, reinforcing the importance of an active lifestyle in preventing and managing obesity.

The conference successfully raised awareness about non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and obesity, emphasizing their impact in Europe and Poland. Photos from the event further highlighted the importance of collaborative action in combating obesity and promoting patient well-being.

10:30 – 11:00 – Exclusive session for doctors

11:00 – 11:30 – “Wishing Ourselves a Long and Healthy Life" – Jolanta Bilińska, President of the Patient Safety Foundation

11:30 – 11:45 – “Why Should Obesity Be Treated?" – Dr. Małgorzata Szalapska, Institute of the Mother and Child, CLiPO

11:45 – 12:00 – “Weight Loss Starts in the Mind" – Magdalena Grobelna, Psychodietitian

12:00 – 12:15 – Scientific Discussion on Fats & Health – Janusz Grohs, CEO, Marinex International

12:15 – 12:30 – Spinal Exercises – Anna Troczyńska

12:30 – 1:30 – Nordic Walking – Teresa Woźniak

1:30 – 2:00 – Lunch

2:30 – 4:00 – Healthy Lifestyle Workshops

World Patients Alliance | Patient Safety Foundation | CLiPO | Integration JP II | Marinex International