Obesity is no longer considered a cosmetic issue caused by overeating and a lack of self-control. The World Health Organization now recognizes that obesity is a chronic progressive disease that results from multiple environmental and genetic factors.
Obesity is a disease like diabetes or lung cancer.
Not everybody develops it.  You need a genetic predisposition coupled with environmental triggers.  As with most chronic diseases, lifestyle choices can make it better or worse. When our loved ones develop diabetes or lung cancer we don’t blame them for getting sick. We support them to obtain the most effective, proven treatment.
It’s the same for obesity. It’s not part of your identity.  It’s a disease to overcome. And the good news is, it can be treated.
Start the conversation with your GP about obtaining the most effective treatment for obesity – for a healthier, happier you.
OBESITY IS A SOCIETAL ISSUE
Obesity has overtaken smoking as the leading cause of illness and premature death in Australia. As a doctor I see every day the impact obesity has on our bodies.The thing is, we all know that the worldwide obesity crisis wasn’t created by the action of a single individual.
As a society, we have changed. We have become more sedentary, our food has become more abundant, and more laden with fat and sugar. We have become busier, with less time for self-care.
As a society we have collectively created the conditions for a perfect storm.
As a society we need to work collectively to overcome obesity and turn our health around.
Rather than blaming the individual, we can act together to help Australians eat less and move more for a healthier, happier future.
REMOVE THE STIGMA OFÂ OBESITY
Did you know that over 5 million Australians suffer from obesity? How is it possible for so many to develop this disease?
As a doctor, I hear the reasons every day.
They are so busy juggling their responsibilities, they neglect themselves. They are tired. As a doctor I know sleep deprivation causes weight gain.
They’ve had a life event that has changed their body, so their usual behaviours no longer work to maintain their weight.
They feel too ashamed to ask for help because they feel it’s all their fault.
I’m here today to encourage people not to judge others on how they look because they don’t know what issues are behind the scenes. It’s usually not just food. And most importantly, don’t judge yourself.
Start the conversation with your GP about obtaining the most effective treatment for obesity – for a healthier, happier you.
