New Israeli Association Aims to Combat Stigma and Improve Care for People with Obesity

A new organization, the Israeli Association for People Living with Obesity, has been established in Israel, aiming to be the first national body dedicated to representing individuals facing obesity. Its primary goals are to advance their rights concerning the healthcare system, health maintenance organizations, insurance companies, and policymakers, while also working to improve access to treatment and reduce societal stigma.

The association was founded by patient representatives with support from the Patient Rights Association and collaboration with experts in obesity medicine, endocrinology, family medicine, diabetes, and pediatric obesity. It seeks to address treatment gaps and barriers faced by patients, promoting the recognition of obesity as a complex chronic disease rather than a personal failing.

Recent years have seen expanded pharmacological treatment options for obesity, including weight-loss injections, alongside increased awareness of "fatphobia", manifesting as judgment, discrimination, and exclusion within the healthcare system and society. The association intends to advocate for evidence-based treatment and ensure that patient attitudes do not hinder access to care.

Data indicates that nearly 60% of Israel's adult population is overweight or obese, affecting one in five children aged 6-9 and nearly a third of adolescents. A 2023 study estimated the economic burden of obesity in Israel at approximately 55 billion shekels annually, encompassing medical costs, lost productivity, and reduced quality-adjusted life years. This study was supported by Novo Nordisk.

Key objectives for the association include promoting multidisciplinary medical care, removing treatment access barriers, advocating for the inclusion of obesity medications and treatments in the national health basket, and assisting patients in exercising their medical rights. The association plans to voice patient concerns in public discussions and decision-making processes, including health basket committee meetings, in partnership with professionals and health organizations.

"For years, people living with obesity have had to contend not only with a chronic and complex disease but also with judgment, blame, and barriers to treatment," stated Adv. Leah Meshiah, the association's chairwoman. "The association was founded to change this reality and ensure that the voices of those affected are an integral part of every discussion and decision concerning their health."

Prof. Dror Dicker, chairman of the Israeli Society for the Study and Treatment of Obesity and a co-founder, noted that despite advancements in understanding and treating obesity, significant disparities in access to care and societal attitudes persist. He views the association's establishment as a step toward fostering partnership among patients, professionals, and policymakers.

Beyond advocacy, the association plans to build a supportive community for individuals with obesity and their families to share experiences and influence the organization's activities. Special emphasis will be placed on children and adolescents through educational content for them, their parents, and the education system, with plans for a youth council or advisory forum.

In the coming months, the association will focus on community expansion, forging collaborations with health organizations, and initiating actions in rights, policy, awareness, and education, aiming to integrate patient experiences into driving changes in their care.