This article is sponsored by Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. The content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions regarding a medical condition.
Even as new, evidence-based treatments emerge, seeking medical support for obesity is often met with hesitation, scrutiny, or even shame – it’s time to change that.
“When we treat obesity like the medical condition it is, we help people protect their long-term health,” emphasizes Dr. Alex Abitbol, an endocrinologist and assistant medical director at LMC Diabetes & Endocrinology in Oakville, Ont. “The science is clear, but socially, the stigma persists. People are still judged for getting evidence‑based care, which could prevent them from seeking the support they deserve.”
Science has evolved but the stigma hasn’t
“We don’t shame people for treating other chronic diseases,” says Dr. Abitbol. “Obesity shouldn’t be the exception.”
“Obesity is not a lifestyle choice – it is a complex, chronic disease shaped by biology, environment, and the systems that influence our health,” says Lisa Schaffer, Executive Director of Obesity Canada. “When we frame it as a matter of personal failure, we deepen the stigma and create real barriers to care. Canadians living with obesity deserve the same compassion, evidence-based treatment, and respect as anyone managing a chronic illness.”
Obesity is manageable with tailored support
It’s important to understand that many different factors shape a person’s experience with obesity, including those out of one’s control.
- Biological and genetic factors: More than 140 genetic regions influence traits related to obesity.[11] These biological factors affect how the body regulates hunger, metabolism, and fat storage.
- Environmental factors: Access to nutritious, affordable food, transportation, and working environments all influence a person’s ability to maintain health.[12]
- Psychological factors: Stress, fatigue[13], and mental‑health concerns such as depression significantly impact weight and overall health.[14] Depression alone can increase obesity risk by 20–50 per cent.[15]
“People deserve tailored strategies that address the root causes, not temporary fixes, and certainly not shame or judgement,” says Dr. Abitbol.
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Unmanaged obesity carries real health risks
On World Obesity Day – and every day – let’s commit to changing more than the conversation — let’s change how we show up for one another.
Obesity is a chronic disease, not a character flaw. It deserves the same compassion, evidence-based care, and respect we extend to any other health condition.
Reducing stigma isn’t just about kindness, it’s about improving health outcomes. When we replace blame with empathy, we make it easier for people to access the care and support they deserve.
Visit truthaboutweight.ca to learn more.
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