Weekly News

March 4 | 2026

Childhood obesity remains one of the most pressing public health challenges worldwide.

On World Obesity Day 2026, the Federation of International Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (FISPGHAN) reaffirms its commitment to addressing childhood obesity as a critical global health priority affecting millions of children. This growing epidemic threatens not only current child health but also the future burden of noncommunicable diseases across the lifespan.

For the first time in history, the number of children and adolescents living with obesity has surpassed that of those who are underweight. Globally, 1 in 10 school-aged children and adolescents (5–19 years), or nearly 188 million individuals, live with obesity, and approximately 35 million children under five years of age are affected by overweight or obesity, according to WHO growth standards.

Childhood obesity significantly increases the risk of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal complications, and premature mortality in adulthood.

Read FISPGHAN's Statement for World Obesity Day in its entirety, here.

Have an idea for a NEW Special Interest Group?

NASPGHAN is now accepting proposals for the formation of new Special Interest Groups (SIGs) for 2026. SIGs provide an opportunity for members to collaborate around emerging or specialized clinical, research, and educational topics that are not currently a primary focus of existing NASPGHAN committees or initiatives.

There will be one submission and review cycle for 2026, with a proposal deadline of March 31, 2026. Click here to access the SIG Proposal application.

In alignment with NASPGHAN’s SIG Policy, proposed SIGs must demonstrate a clear connection to an existing NASPGHAN committee. The Chair of the proposed SIG’s parent committee plays an important role in the formation and ongoing oversight of the SIG, including reviewing the proposal, providing guidance regarding scope and alignment with committee priorities, and supporting coordination of activities to ensure strategic integration within the Society. Early communication and collaboration with the parent committee leadership is strongly encouraged prior to submission.

To review proposal requirements, the approval process, and the current list of NASPGHAN SIGs, please visit the Call for SIG Proposals page on NASPGHAN’s website.

WEBINAR
MARCH 18, 2026

8PM ET

MASLD: What's That Again?

Obesity is a pervasive form of malnutrition that drives the development of MASLD, now the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that even moderate weight loss can yield significant improvements in liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Proper nutrition may not only support weight loss, but also directly counteract steatosis and its progression.

This webinar is an updated review of the AASLD guidance document on Pediatric MASLD. In addition, it brings a summary of the key findings from the new JPGN publication, “Nutritional Treatment of Obesity & Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) in Children.”

Join our expert moderators and speaker panel and leave with practical, evidence-based nutrition and weight-loss strategies you can apply in clinic, plus key takeaways from the latest pediatric MASLD guidance and the new JPGN review, along with time for live Q&A.

NASPGHAN Reception at DDW 2026

Please RSVP if you are planning on attending our 2026 Reception during the weekend of DDW in Chicago, IL.

Event Details

Sunday, May 3rd, 6PM-8PM

Palmer House, Chicago Ballroom

17 E Monroe St

Chicago, IL 60603

RSVP TODAY!

Camille Bonta and NASPGHAN Intern Jasmeet Kaur (pictured far right) join New York advocates on Capitol Hill

NASPGHAN Joins Digestive Disease Day on Capitol Hill

NASPGHAN has joined the Digestive Disease Network Coalition (DDNC) to strengthen its coalition based advocacy efforts with more than 20 national and state level organizations committed to advocating on behalf of the digestive disease community to legislators on Capitol Hill. Executive Director Celena NuQuay will represent NASPGHAN as a constituent member of DDNC’s Board of Directors.

This week, NASPGHAN participated in the DDNC’s annual Public Policy Forum, which included meetings on Capitol Hill. The meetings offered an opportunity for participants to advocate for increased funding for medical research, protections against step therapy practices by insurers, and better access to enteral and parenteral nutrition.

NASPGHAN policy advisor Camille Bonta provided advocates with an overview of the Medical Foods and Formulas Access Act (S. 3304, H.R. 5684) and encouraged them to ask lawmakers to cosponsor the bill.

Research Funding Opportunity - APFED HOPE Grant

Applications Due April 8, 2026

NASPGHAN members are encouraged to apply to the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) HOPE Grant opportunity to support projects related to eosinophil-associated diseases (EADs).

The $100,000 grant opportunity would be paid over two years to support new ideas to support improved diagnostics or therapies for EADs, excluding nasal polyposis.

Applications are due April 8, 2026. More information can be found here.