10/11/2025
If you’ve ever been told your weight was a choice…
the 2025 South African Obesity Guidelines (SAMJ, Vol 115, No. 9) just proved otherwise. 💥
Obesity is recognised as a chronic, complex disease — one that deserves real care, not blame. It’s shaped by biology, environment, psychology, and systems.
That means care is shifting —
👉🏼From blame to biology.
👉🏼From shame to science.
👉🏼From “try harder” to “let’s treat this properly.”
Here’s what’s new 👇
✨ BMI alone is out — health is about function, energy, and quality of life (Just because someone has a ‘healthy’ BMI doesn’t mean they are healthy and visa versa)
✨ Bariatric surgery is in and should not be a patients last resort to treatment. It’s safe, effective and evidence-based medicine.
✨ Mental health is central — because mindset drives maintenance.
✨ Nutrition is flexible — culture, joy, sustainability and food freedom matter.
✨Eat less, move more” is officially retired – woohoo! Please stop following those ‘gurus’ still counting calories and telling you to exercise more! If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
✨Move for life - not for weight loss - Physical activity improves health even without weight loss.
✨ Language matters — I’ve had too many patients in tears in my office having been treated poorly by other healthcare professions. People living with obesity need to be treated with the respect and compassion they deserve.
There are 17 articles included in the guideline. I have chosen these to share with you so you can understand that you are/ were never the problem.
And if you’ve had bariatric surgery — or are thinking about it — you deserve pride, not shame 💗
The science is finally catching up to your truth.
(DM me if you would like the link to all the articles)
