Irish healthcare makes huge strides towards understanding and tackling obesity

Today marks World Obesity Day, with organisations working and advocating in the area calling on people to get informed about a condition that impacts millions of people worldwide

Obesity stigma, bias and discrimination are pervasive in society and in healthcare. They can prevent individuals and families from receiving the essential care and support that they need and are entitled to. Photo: Matt Love, Maura Murphy

Most people will know someone who is affected by obesity. Yet many of us do not realise the detrimental implications of blaming, shaming or having negative attitudes towards those with obesity. 

Obesity and its complications can be very serious and lead to devastating physiological and psychological effects. These include low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, higher risk of eating disorders, poorer metabolic health and functional problems with mobility and movement.