By Nicole Pearce, Director of Education
I recently had the privilege of meeting with MP Ziad Aboultaif to advocate for a significant policy shift — recognizing obesity as a chronic disease at the federal level in Canada. This meeting marks a significant step forward in our ongoing dialogue, which began with our first encounter in Ottawa back in 2019.
The main focus of our discussion was the Canadian Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines. These guidelines, first published in 2020, offer a comprehensive approach to managing obesity and represent a critical tool in redefining obesity not just as a matter of personal responsibility but as a complex chronic disease requiring a nuanced and sustained approach. Educating policymakers like MP Aboultaif on these guidelines is crucial for shaping public health policies that effectively address the needs of Canadians living with obesity.
We also revisited the Obesity Canada Report Card on Access to Treatment for 2017 and 2019. These reports highlight the gaps in access to and coverage of treatment options for obesity across Canada. With an updated report scheduled for early 2025, our discussion emphasized the need for continued improvement in how treatments are accessed and administered nationwide.
MP Aboultaif’s openness to discussing these issues and his willingness to meet again after our initial discussion is a testament to his commitment to improving health outcomes for all Canadians. I extend my gratitude to MP Aboultaif for his continued engagement and look forward to seeing how our collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful change.
As we work toward having obesity recognized as a chronic disease by the federal government, it is meetings like these that fuel our optimism and drive our mission at Obesity Canada. Our journey is long, but the support from dedicated policymakers ensures that we are moving in the right direction. Together, we can forge a path toward a healthier future for Canadians affected by obesity, transforming how we perceive, manage, and live with this chronic disease.
