Introduction
World Obesity Day, observed annually on March 4, aims to raise awareness about the global obesity epidemic, promote practical solutions and encourage actions to improve health outcomes. This year's annual theme is 'Changing systemsHealthier lives'. For too long, responses to the obesity crisis have been focussed on individuals. It’s time we turn our attention to the systems that are failing us: health systems, government systems, food systems, the media and the environments we work and live in. All these systems are contributing to the increasing rates of obesity around the world.
Task
By completing this Webquest students will:
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Investigate the causes, impacts and systemic factors contributing to obesity.
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Analyze practical solutions at individual, community and policy levels that support healthier lifestyles and obesity prevention.
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Create an informative and visually engaging awareness poster using digital tools to communicate key messages for World Obesity Day.
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Reflect on personal and collective health choices by engaging with a nutritionist, exploring the Mediterranean food pyramid and expressing supportive or motivational messages.
Process
Step 1: Research
Begin by watching the informative video on World Obesity Day that will introduce you to the global obesity epidemic, its causes and impacts.
Research the systemic factors contributing to obesity, including healthcare, government policies, food systems, media influence and environmental factors.
Useful links:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/index.html
https://www.fao.org/nutrition/en/
Identify practical strategies and solutions that can improve health outcomes and reduce obesity rates. Consider actions at the individual, community, and systemic levels.
Step 2: Create a poster
Using PosterMyWall, create an eye-catching and informative digital poster using PosterMyWall to raise awareness about World Obesity Day 2025 and promote solutions for a healthier future. Add your work to the Padlet https://padlet.com/meddiet4health/world-obesity-day-2025-lm92l2foj151tmbl
Step 3: Extension activity
- Invite a Nutritionist at your classroom to explore the Mediterranean food pyramid and reflect on your previous day's consumption.
- Add a supportive message for individuals struggling with obesity or your own dietary imprvement goals, and place them to the 'Tree of Life' in your classroom.
Evaluation
Evaluation will be based on the following rubric:
| Criteria | 5 - Excellent | 4 - Proficient | 3 - Satisfactory | 2 - Needs Improvement | 1 - Inadequate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Depth & Accuracy | Thoroughly researches systemic factors; includes comprehensive, accurate information from multiple credible sources. | Researches systemic factors with mostly accurate information from credible sources. | Researches some systemic factors, but with limited detail or minor inaccuracies. | Research is superficial or includes inaccuracies; limited use of credible sources. | Research is incomplete, inaccurate, or missing key systemic factors; lacks credible sources. |
| Understanding of Causes & Impacts | Clearly explains causes and impacts of obesity with detailed examples and insightful connections to systemic factors. | Explains causes and impacts with appropriate examples and connections to systemic factors. | Provides basic explanation of causes and impacts; some connections to systemic factors. | Explanation lacks clarity, depth, or connection to systemic factors. | Minimal or no explanation of causes and impacts; lacks understanding of systemic factors. |
| Identification of Solutions | Identifies practical, innovative solutions at individual, community, and systemic levels with clear rationale. | Identifies practical solutions at multiple levels with some rationale. | Identifies some solutions, but limited in scope or rationale. | Solutions identified are vague, impractical, or limited to one level only. | No clear solutions identified or solutions are inappropriate or irrelevant. |
| Poster Design & Creativity | Poster is highly engaging, visually appealing, and effectively communicates key messages about obesity and solutions. | Poster is visually appealing and communicates key messages effectively. | Poster is somewhat engaging and communicates basic messages. | Poster lacks visual appeal or clarity in message delivery. | Poster is poorly designed, unclear, or does not communicate the intended message. |
| Use of Digital Tools & Submission | Effectively uses PosterMyWall features; submits on Padlet on time with all required components. | Uses PosterMyWall competently; submits on Padlet on time with most components. | Basic use of PosterMyWall; submission is late or missing some components. | Limited use of digital tools; submission incomplete or significantly late. | Fails to use digital tools appropriately; submission missing or not on Padlet. |
| Extension Activity Engagement | Actively participates in nutritionist visit; provides thoughtful reflection and supportive message with clear personal connection. | Participates in nutritionist visit; provides adequate reflection and supportive message. | Attends nutritionist visit; reflection and message are basic or lack depth. | Limited participation in nutritionist visit; reflection and message are minimal or unclear. | Does not participate in nutritionist visit; no reflection or supportive message provided. |
Conclusion
Through this WebQuest, you explored the factors that shape the global obesity challenge and identified meaningful solutions for healthier communities. By creating a digital awareness poster, you transformed your research into a clear message that promotes positive action. The reflection activity with the nutritionist and your “Tree of Life” message encouraged you to think more personally about health, support, and change.
Credits
Teacher Page
This WebQuest was edited by two members of USGGED,Türkiye as part of the activities of the "Mediterranean Diet for Overall Health" (MedDiet4Health) Erasmus+ project (Project number: 2023-2-EL01-KA210-VET-000183592).
By engaging in this Webquest, students improved their research and critical-thinking skills by exploring the causes and solutions of obesity. They built digital and creative skills while designing their awareness posters. Through the nutritionist session and food pyramid reflection, they strengthened their health literacy and by contributing to the “Tree of Life,” they practiced empathy and positive communication about healthy living.
This WebQuest reflects only the author’s views. The European Commission’s support for the production of this WebQuest does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.