Postcode lottery of care for people with obesity

The Royal College of Physicians has stated that a third of the country does not have access to obesity treatment.

Despite the government’s attempts at tackling the obesity crisis, a new documentary highlights that many of those living with obesity are not able to lose weight without specialist interventions and these simply aren’t available in their area.

Those living with obesity often develop other health conditions such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and sleep disorders. However, many do not seek help for their condition for fear of being stigmatised.

The RCP is calling for a National Obesity Prescription for England which would put an end to the postcode lottery of care and increase access to dedicated weight management services people can self-refer to. The organisation argues that to tackle this stigma, obesity must be considered a medical problem that genetics, biological and social factors all play a significant role in. It has called for obesity to be recognised as a disease.

Rachel Batterham, RCP’s special adviser on obesity, says: “We all know someone whose life is affected by obesity. But the vast majority of people are unable to access any treatment for their condition. People who live with obesity experience stigma in every part of their life. We need to change the narrative. Obesity is not simple; it is not due to lack of will power. It is a complex, multi-factorial disease that is driven by health inequalities. People living with obesity deserve evidence-based treatment and empathy for their condition – not stigma.”