Post by Anna MG Cali, MD, MSc

I'm proud and deeply moved to share that I have joined the IBU Medical Affairs organisation as Vice President – International Therapeutic Area Lead for Chronic Weight Management and NILEX at #EliLilly. Obesity is not just a health challenge — it is one of the greatest human stories of our time. A condition that silently shapes the lives of hundreds of millions of people across every corner of our world, robbing them of health, of quality of life, of possibility. We are living in a moment of unprecedented scientific progress — where the right strategies, the right partnerships, and the right people can genuinely change the trajectory of this disease for generations to come. That is the mission I am stepping into. And I could not be more inspired. In this role, I will bridge science, clinical evidence, and real-world impact across the IBU keeping patients at the centre of everything we do. I am committed to building and deepening collaborations with medical associations and scientific societies worldwide. Defeating obesity is a collective call to action — and the strongest answers will come from working together across borders, disciplines, and institutions. Being part of a cross-functional organisation boldly leading the way in the obesity space — where brilliant minds across Medical Affairs, Clinical Operations, Regulatory, Health Outcomes, Scientific Communications and beyond share a single north star — is a privilege I don't take for granted. To my team: you are the reason this mission is possible. Leading such exceptional, passionate professionals is the greatest honour of this new chapter. I am here to listen, to champion you, and to grow alongside you. A profound thank you to Rachel Batterham OBE and Roberta Marinelli — your vision, trust and leadership made this possible. You saw something in me and gave me the opportunity to serve a mission I believe in with every fibre of my being. I will strive every day to honour that confidence. And to Cristiana C. — having you as a partner in this role is something I genuinely look forward to. Your expertise, dedication and spirit are an inspiration, and I know that together we will go further and faster than either of us could alone. And then there is the quiet, unwavering force behind everything I do — my family. To my daughter Sophia and my spouse Michel Martins — you are my anchor and my greatest source of strength. Every early morning, every late night, every moment away is made possible by your love and patience. And to my sisters and my enlarged Family and Friends— your warmth and unconditional support mean more than words can capture. I carry you with me in everything I do. This is for us. ❤️ To everyone working to defeat obesity — know that you are not alone. We are in this together. 💪 The work continues. Let's go. 🌐 #Obesity #ChronicWeightManagement #NILEX #MedicalAffairs #IBU #GlobalHealth #WeAreLilly #TherapeuticAreaLead #HealthcareLeadership #TogetherAgainstObesity #Gratitude #Family