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Understanding Obesity
Move past stigma and toward support
Obesity isn’t a lifestyle choice—it’s a chronic disease that’s misunderstood by society, even within the healthcare system meant to help.
Too many are told to “just eat less and move more,’ reducing a complex disease to oversimplified advice. Dismissing the disease of obesity ignores the science, fuels harmful stigma and unfairly shifts blame onto people for a condition they cannot fully control.
We’re committed to demystifying the science, addressing the harm of weight bias and stigma, and advocating for systemic change to secure compassionate, evidence-based treatment for all.
5 Facts about obesity everyone should know
1 Obesity is a chronic disease
Living with obesity is a lifelong journey, but with the right care and support, it can be managed just like diabetes or heart disease.
2 Obesity is driven by biology, not choice
Obesity is shaped by powerful factors like genetics, environment, and society. It’s time to move past blame and focus on understanding.
3 Health effects of obesity can start early
The effects of obesity often begin early, but providing treatment sooner means giving kids and teens a healthier future.
4 Obesity is treatable
There are real solutions for managing obesity, from medications to therapy and surgery. Everyone deserves evidence-based care and a chance to thrive.
5 Weight bias, stigma, and discrimination are harmful
Facing weight bias or discrimination hurts more than feelings—it prevents people from getting the care they need. Everyone deserves respect and access to healthcare, no matter their size.
When we ignore obesity as a disease, everyone pays the price
Nearly one in three Canadians live with the disease of obesity, but the true cost of ignoring it is often overlooked. Failing to act on obesity has consequences that go far beyond the individual.
With obesity linked to over 200 downstream conditions, addressing obesity is a critical step that will impact Canada’s future. The costs ripple through our healthcare system, our economy, and our communities, leading to rising expenses, preventable complications, and unnecessary suffering.
But this isn’t just about numbers— it’s about lives impacted by a misunderstood chronic disease.
See what’s at stake when we ignore obesity—and what we can do to fix it.
Living with obesity: Connecting the dots to better care
Behind every health statistic is a person facing challenges. The effects of obesity go beyond weight, touching nearly every system in the body, yet healthcare providers often lack the knowledge and tools to manage this disease effectively.
Learn about the health impacts of obesity and why stigma only makes matters worse.
Managing obesity: It’s more than just weight loss
Treating obesity as a chronic disease means focusing on long-term strategies beyond just a number on a scale. From emotional well-being to physical health, obesity management takes a whole-person approach.
No two paths are the same, but with the right tools and support, this disease can be managed with evidence-informed treatments.
