Obesity Community Fund

Obesity Community Fund A patient-led non-profit helping South Africans access bariatric surgery funding, education, and support. Disclaimer on website.

We break the stigma, improve access to evidence-based care, and build a community of patients, families, and professionals.

Many people living with obesity do not know where to start, what treatment options exist, or how the journey toward care...
04/09/2026

Many people living with obesity do not know where to start, what treatment options exist, or how the journey toward care works.

That is why awareness and education are central to the Obesity Community Fund.
We help people learn more about obesity as a disease, surgery readiness, medical assessment, treatment pathways and the importance of long-term support.
Informed patients make empowered decisions.

Contact us on [email protected] for more information.

03/09/2026

Thinking about bariatric surgery and wondering what the journey involves?

Join Dr Thinus Smit and the Obesity Health Centre’s multidisciplinary team for an informative webinar on:

The Steps in the Bariatric Surgery Process

We will guide you through the different stages—from your initial consultation and multidisciplinary assessments to preparation for surgery, recovery and long-term follow-up care.

This webinar is ideal for anyone considering bariatric surgery, as well as family members who would like to understand the journey and how they can provide support.

17 September 2026
19:00
Free online webinar

Visit our website to register for the webinar: www.obesityhealthcentre.co.za

Take the first step by learning what to expect and how our multidisciplinary team will support you throughout your journey.

Dr Thinus Smit Nicola Drabble - Bariatric Dietitian South Africa Francette Dietitian

Obesity is not your fault — but your health journey matters.Obesity is a complex, chronic disease. It can be influenced ...
02/09/2026

Obesity is not your fault — but your health journey matters.
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease. It can be influenced by genetics, hormones, metabolism, mental health, environment, medication and access to care.

It is not a lack of willpower.
It is not a personal failure.
It is not something people should be shamed for.

But taking responsibility can start with one step: asking questions, seeking support and getting the right medical guidance.

At OCF, we believe people living with obesity deserve dignity, education and access to care. Visit our website for more information. www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za



Disclaimer: The information shared in this post is for educational and awareness purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Individual circumstances and outcomes may vary. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance and assessment.

Missed the OCF webinar?If you were unable to join our online session, How the OCF Fund Works, the recording is now avail...
28/08/2026

Missed the OCF webinar?

If you were unable to join our online session, How the OCF Fund Works, the recording is now available on our website.

This webinar explains the Obesity Community Fund model, including membership, the waiting list process, co-funding, surgery readiness and how the community helps create access to obesity care.

Watch the recording under Podcasts on our website:
www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

Thank you to everyone who joined, shared and helped us create awareness.

Becoming part of OCF starts with a simple first step: reaching out.If you would like to learn more about membership, the...
26/08/2026

Becoming part of OCF starts with a simple first step: reaching out.

If you would like to learn more about membership, the waiting list process, support membership, or how the fund works, send us an email and our team will guide you through the next steps.

Email us at [email protected]

OCF is a community model built on awareness, advocacy and shared support. Whether you are enquiring for yourself, a loved one, or because you want to support the mission — we would love to hear from you.

Together, we create awareness.
Together, we reduce stigma.
Together, we help improve access to obesity care.

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

THINK BARIATRIC SURGERY IS FINANCIALLY OUT OF REACH?JOIN THE OCF ONLINE — 25 AUGUST 2026 | 19:00The Obesity Community Fu...
24/08/2026

THINK BARIATRIC SURGERY IS FINANCIALLY OUT OF REACH?
JOIN THE OCF ONLINE — 25 AUGUST 2026 | 19:00

The Obesity Community Fund (OCF) is a non-profit organisation started by patients, for patients, to make bariatric surgery more accessible to people who cannot afford the full cost of private surgery.

Our community co-funding model provides eligible members with access to additional funding towards surgery.

We set out to enable 10 surgeries in our first official year in 2026. We have already enabled 21 — and have just received sponsorship for another 7 candidates in 2026.

Want to know how the OCF works and whether you could qualify to become a member?

Join our online information webinar to find out:

25 August 2026
19:00
Online

Learn how the co-funding model works, who can apply, what membership involves and how the journey from waiting list to surgery works.

Register on our website to receive the webinar link. www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

THINK BARIATRIC SURGERY IS FINANCIALLY OUT OF REACH? JOIN THE OCF ONLINE — 25 AUGUST 2026 | 19:00The Obesity Community F...
20/08/2026

THINK BARIATRIC SURGERY IS FINANCIALLY OUT OF REACH?
JOIN THE OCF ONLINE — 25 AUGUST 2026 | 19:00

The Obesity Community Fund (OCF) is a non-profit organisation started by patients, for patients, to make bariatric surgery more accessible to people who cannot afford the full cost of private surgery.

Our community co-funding model provides eligible members with access to additional funding towards surgery.

We set out to enable 10 surgeries in our first official year in 2026. We have already enabled 21 — and have just received sponsorship for another 7 candidates in 2026.

Want to know how the OCF works and whether you could qualify to become a member?

Join our online information webinar to find out:

25 August 2026
19:00
Online

Learn how the co-funding model works, who can apply, what membership involves and how the journey from waiting list to surgery works.

Register on our website to receive the webinar link. www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

Special Events Portfolio OpportunityThe Obesity Community Fund is looking for a member or volunteer to support our Speci...
19/08/2026

Special Events Portfolio Opportunity

The Obesity Community Fund is looking for a member or volunteer to support our Special Events portfolio. This is an opportunity for someone with the right capacity, experience and passion to become more involved in the OCF community.

This portfolio will help support:

• Community events
• Education sessions
• Member engagement
• Awareness initiatives
• Fundraising activities

OCF is built on community, advocacy and shared action. If you are passionate about creating awareness of obesity as a disease and want to help us make a meaningful difference, we would love to hear from you.

Email us at: [email protected]
Become part of the team. Help us create awareness. Help us build access.

Living with obesity can feel lonely, especially when people face judgement, stigma or uncertainty about where to start.T...
14/08/2026

Living with obesity can feel lonely, especially when people face judgement, stigma or uncertainty about where to start.

The Obesity Community Fund exists to create a supportive community where people can feel seen, heard and encouraged — while also raising awareness that obesity is a disease and that access to care matters.

When you become part of the OCF community, you help us:

• Create awareness
• Reduce stigma
• Support patient journeys
• Share education
• Advocate for better access to obesity care

You do not have to walk this journey alone.

Become part of the OCF community and help us make a difference.
Visit www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za for more information.

13/08/2026

Another important step forward for obesity care in South Africa.

The Obesity Community Fund is proud to share the launch of the Obesity Health Centre.

At OCF, we advocate for a future where obesity is recognised and treated as a chronic, relapsing disease and where people have greater access to reliable information, appropriate healthcare professionals and evidence-based treatment options.

The launch of the Obesity Health Centre supports this shared vision by creating another pathway for people to learn about obesity, understand the treatment options available and know where to start their healthcare journey.

Obesity care is not one-size-fits-all. Nutrition, medical treatment, psychological support, physical activity and bariatric surgery can all form part of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach depending on the needs of the individual.

We congratulate Dr Thinus Smit and the multidisciplinary team on this important initiative and look forward to seeing the difference it can make in improving obesity awareness and access to care.

👉 Learn more about the Obesity Health Centre:
www.obesityhealthcentre.co.za

More awareness. Better understanding. Greater access to care.

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Pretoria
Centurion

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