Obesity Community Fund

29/05/2026

“I stopped existing… and started living.”

These are the powerful words of Anuscka Rossouw, one of the patients supported through the Obesity Community Fund.

For years, Anuscka struggled with her weight. She tried to lose weight many times, but the results were never sustainable. Slowly, she found herself withdrawing from life, missing moments with her children, and feeling as if life was passing her by.

As a mother of two young children, the hardest part was realising that she was no longer fully present in their lives.

Then she made the decision to have a gastric sleeve.

Within 9 weeks, her life started to change. Her back pain became less, she started doing things with her family again, and most importantly — she started seeing herself again.

Anuscka started at 102 kg and is now 87 kg.

But her journey is about more than weight loss.

It is about hope.
It is about dignity.
It is about getting her life back.

Through the Obesity Community Fund, Anuscka was given an opportunity to take the next step toward health, confidence and a better quality of life.

Her message is simple:

You do not have to stay trapped where you are forever.
You do not have to just exist.
You deserve to live.

28/05/2026

Today is Day 1 for another patient on the Obesity Community Fund journey 💫

He is one of 13 patients we’ve now supported through surgery with the help of the fund.

Behind every number is a real person with a real chance at a healthier future.

Bariatric surgery is never the “easy way out.”
It’s a tool and for many people, it’s life-changing.
It can mean improved health, mobility, confidence, energy and a "second chance" at life.

I'm so grateful to be part of these journeys alongside an incredible team 🤸🏼‍♂️




Thank you to everyone who supports, donates, swims, shares and helps make this possible ❤️

27/05/2026

27/05/2026

13 lives impacted. 13 journeys supported. 13 reasons to keep going.

Through the Obesity Community Fund, 13 patients have already received support on their bariatric surgery journey — and every patient represents hope, courage and a new chapter.

This is only possible because of our incredible community, members, sponsors, partners and medical professionals who believe in creating access, dignity and change for people living with obesity.

Together, we are making a real difference.

If you want to be part of this journey, register as a member and help us continue making a difference. Visit our website formore information www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

27/05/2026

This is a good day!

25/05/2026

Join Dr Thinus Smit and his team for this valuable webinar:
What patients expect and what they should expect
🗓 28 May
🕖 19:00
This session will help patients better understand the journey, manage expectations, and feel more informed and empowered every step of the way.

Register here:
https://www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za/event-details/what-patients-expect-and-what-they-should-expect

22/05/2026

Join Dr Thinus Smit and his team for this valuable webinar:
What patients expect and what they should expect
🗓 28 May
🕖 19:00

This session will help patients better understand the journey, manage expectations, and feel more informed and empowered every step of the way.

Register here:
https://www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za/event-details/what-patients-expect-and-what-they-should-expect

08/05/2026

Meet Bella Groenewald, the social media voice behind the Obesity Community Fund. For Bella, this work is deeply personal. As a patient herself, preparing for surgery soon, she understands just how important support, representation, and access to the right information truly are. She is passionate about sharing real stories, creating awareness around obesity, and helping others feel less alone as they navigate their own journeys with hope and confidence. Being part of this community means everything to her.

For more information visit our website: www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

06/05/2026

https://youtu.be/AVlfPRF8Rpg?si=qx50R2VIhNXqNF75

Obesity affects lives, families, and healthcare systems across South Africa. With reports showing an estimated R33 billion annual cost to the public health system, the need for education, compassion, treatment access, and early intervention is clear. Obesity is a disease, and it deserves serious attention, support, and action.

A study by Wits University reveals that overweight and obesity cost South Africa’s public health system R33 billion annually, representing over 15% of gover...

05/05/2026

Obesity is a disease, not a lifestyle failure.
It is a chronic, relapsing, progressive disease influenced by biological, psychological, environmental, and genetic factors. At the Obesity Community Fund, we stand for awareness, dignity, and better access to treatment in South Africa.

For more information visit our website www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za