Moving towards a more compassionate approach to obesity management

Abstract

Obesity is one of the most significant public health challenges in the world today. It is well known that obesity is a risk factor for many diseases, and thus places a tremendous burden on both individuals and the health care system. Less often discussed is the immense stigma carried by obesity, and the detrimental effects of this stigma. This commentary aims to discuss this stigma and its adverse effects. It will also address the inefficacy and unintended harm of traditional obesity interventions, as well as a novel and more compassionate approach to obesity management.