Obesity Community Fund

23/06/2026

Obesity is a complex disease. It is influenced by many factors, including biology, genetics, metabolism, hormones, environment, mental health and access to care.

It is not about blame.
It is not about shame.
It is not about “just trying harder.”

But you do deserve support, information and the opportunity to take the next step toward better health.

At the Obesity Community Fund, we believe in replacing judgement with understanding, and stigma with access to evidence-based care.

You are not alone.
You are not a failure.
You are worthy of care.

Join us in creating awareness of obesity as a disease: www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

This information is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.

22/06/2026

We are proud to have a to have a team of professionals contributing to the Obesity Community Fund.
Dr Thinus Smit

22/06/2026

15 patients helped through the Obesity Community Fund.

This is more than a number.

It represents 15 people who were given access to support, care and hope through a community that believes obesity is a disease — and that people living with obesity deserve dignity, understanding and evidence-based care.

Every patient journey reminds us why OCF exists.

We need more awareness.
We need more advocacy.
We need more people willing to help change the conversation around obesity in South Africa.

If you want to be part of this journey, visit:
www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

19/06/2026

This is why the Obesity Community Fund exists.

Behind every patient journey is a real person — someone who may have struggled for years, tried many options, carried the weight of stigma, and hoped for access to the right care.

Stories like Lindani’s remind us why awareness matters. Why access matters. Why advocacy matters.

Obesity is a disease, and people living with obesity deserve dignity, support and evidence-based care.

But real change will only happen when more people speak up, share information, reduce stigma and help open doors for others.

We need more advocacy.
We need more awareness.
We need more people to understand.

The Obesity Community Fund exists to help make that change possible.

Who will you tell about OCF today?

Visit:
www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

Shared with patient consent. Individual journeys and outcomes may vary.

16/06/2026

We are grateful to see the Obesity Community Fund featured in Tabloid Newspapers, highlighting the work being done to improve access to evidence-based obesity care in South Africa.

The article shares an important milestone for OCF — supporting a patient through surgery funded through our own community-based model. This reflects what OCF stands for: patients supporting patients, awareness creating action, and community helping to open doors to care.

Obesity is increasingly recognised as a chronic disease that requires long-term, multidisciplinary support. Through education, advocacy, membership contributions and partnerships, OCF continues to work toward making specialised obesity care more accessible.

Every member, donor, sponsor and supporter helps us move this mission forward.

Read the article here:
https://tabloidmedia.co.za/community-fund-opens-door-to-life-changing-obesity-treatment/

Join the movement:
www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

Access to life-changing treatment for severe obesity is slowly expanding in South Africa, thanks to a growing community-driven initiative that is helping patients

15/06/2026

The Obesity Community Fund stands for advocacy that gives patients a voice.

We believe people living with obesity should be part of the conversation — sharing their stories, raising awareness and helping others feel less alone.

When patients are heard, communities learn.
When communities learn, stigma starts to change.

www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

09/06/2026

Obesity affects millions of South Africans, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood chronic diseases.

We encourage you to listen to this insightful RSG conversation featuring Dr Thinus Smit and Elouise, where they discuss obesity, its impact on health, and why we need to change the way we think and talk about this disease.

At the Obesity Community Fund, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools in reducing stigma and helping people access the care and support they deserve.

Whether you are living with obesity, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to learn more, this conversation is well worth listening to.

Did you miss our conversation on RSG?

Earlier this year, Dr Thinus Smit joined Eloise on RSG to discuss one of South Africa's most important health challenges: obesity as a chronic disease.

The conversation explores the realities of obesity, the impact it has on health and quality of life, and why understanding obesity as a medical condition is so important in reducing stigma and improving treatment outcomes.

If you haven't had the opportunity to listen yet, it is well worth your time. Whether you are personally affected by obesity, supporting a loved one, or simply want to better understand the condition, this discussion offers valuable insights.

🎧 Listen to the podcast here:
Hoe beveg ons vetsug? – RSG Intussen Podcast
https://omny.fm/shows/intussen/hoe-beveg-ons-vetsug-18-maart-2026

Knowledge creates understanding. Understanding creates change.

08/06/2026

Meet Elanie Smit, OCF’s dedicated Membership Volunteer.

Elanie is the friendly face behind our membership support — the person you can reach out to if you have questions about becoming an OCF member, renewing your membership, or understanding how your contribution helps us make a difference.

For Elanie, this cause is deeply personal. As someone who also understands the challenges of living with obesity as a disease, she stands for dignity, compassion, awareness and access to care.

She believes that no one should feel judged, unseen or alone on their journey — and that through community, education and support, we can help change the way obesity is understood in South Africa.

If you have any questions about OCF membership, Elanie is your person.

Join the movement. Help us create awareness. Help us make a difference.

www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

05/06/2026

Obesity care should be based on evidence — not judgement.

The SAMMSS guidelines remind us that obesity is a complex, chronic disease that can affect many areas of health, including metabolic wellbeing, mobility, heart health and quality of life.

For some patients, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. A structured medical assessment can help determine which treatment options may be appropriate, including nutritional support, medical management or bariatric surgery.

At the Obesity Community Fund, our mission is to help create access, awareness and support for people living with obesity — with dignity at the centre of every journey.

You are not a number. You are a person deserving of care.

This information is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.

https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/issue/view/149
www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

02/06/2026

14 patients helped through the Obesity Community Fund.

Every number represents a person.
Every patient represents a journey.
Every journey represents hope, courage and a new opportunity for better health.

Through the support of our members, sponsors, partners and medical professionals Dr Thinus Smit , the Obesity Community Fund continues to make a real difference in the lives of people living with obesity.

We are grateful for every person who contributes to this mission.

If you want to be part of this journey and help us continue changing lives, visit:
www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za