World Obesity Federation recognises achievement in many ways, one of which is through the awards that are presented at each International Congress on Obesity. Winners are invited to present at ICO as well as receiving a memento of their achievement.
ICO 2026 will feature four prestigious awards presented by the World Obesity Federation: the Willendorf Award, the Wertheimer Award, the William Philip T. James Award, and the Emerging Leaders in Health Award.
Award winners will be honoured during the congress and will receive complimentary registration to ICO 2026, with flights and accommodation covered, as well as a 15-minute presentation slot to share their work
Willendorf Award
Introduced in 1980, The Willendorf Award recognises outstanding clinically oriented research related to obesity. Candidates for this award must demonstrate substantial contributions to clinically oriented research related to obesity.
Wertheimer Award
Introduced in the 1986 ICO in Jerusalem. This is awarded for outstanding basic research contributions to the field of obesity. Candidates for this award must demonstrate substantial contributions to basic research related to obesity..
William Philip T James Award
In 2020 a new award in the portfolio was created to acknowledge outstanding achievement in the fields of obesity surveillance, prevention, and management. In recognition of his expertise and service, it was named after William Philip T James and his work with the World Obesity Federation.
Emerging Leaders in Health Award
This award is for outstanding youth advocacy efforts in the field of obesity. This award is for youth proposed solutions to address overweight & obesity.
Nomination forms will open in December 2025 and close on 27 February 2026. All submissions will be reviewed by the Awards Committee, with notifications issued by mid-March 2026.
