WOD26: Data Reveals Persistent Shame & Stigma Around Obesity Treatment
Ahead of World Obesity Day on 4 March, Yazen is sharing new findings from internal patient data, revealing that shame and stigma remain major barriers to obesity care — even as effective medical treatments become more widely available.
World Obesity Day 2026: Data Reveals Persistent Shame and Stigma Around Obesity Treatment
Over 1 billion people are living with obesity today and whilst it is now recognised as a chronic, complex disease, many people still feel pressured to suffer in silence, hide their treatment, and carry the burden of judgement from society, media narratives and even those closest to them.
Stigma remains a daily reality
Despite progress in public awareness, almost half (46%) of patients on weight loss medication say they do not feel less stigma or discrimination since beginning their weight loss journey — suggesting that for many, the shame surrounding obesity persists even after seeking support.
The findings also highlight the stigma attached not only to obesity itself, but to evidence-based obesity medications such as GLP-1 and GIP therapies as 27% of patients say they are never open about their GLP-1 or GIP medication use and 49% say they are only sometimes open about it.
For many patients, treatment secrecy is not a personal preference — it is a form of self-protection. Among those who keep their medication use private:
- 45% fear backlash due to media controversies
- 39% don’t want others to think they are taking a “shortcut”
- 39% are afraid of being judged or stigmatized
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These figures are deeply concerning, said Dr David Buchebner, Chief Medical Officer at Yazen.They show that people are not only battling obesity — they are battling society’s perception of obesity. The shame is not caused by the condition, but by the judgement placed on it.” David adds, “World Obesity Day is a call to action for all of us. Together, we can change the story of obesity.
A culture of blame keeps people from seeking help
Before starting with Yazen, 62% of patients reported trying to manage their weight on their own.This reflects a wider cultural narrative: that weight management is simply about willpower, and that people should be able to “fix it” without medical support. But obesity is a chronic disease influenced by genetics, biology, environment and hormones — and stigma continues to delay care, discourage open conversations, and reinforce harmful stereotypes.
As one patient at Yazen said:
As an overweight person, the stigma and shame is as deafening as the food noise. Society's view is often that we have ourselves to blame, that it's just a matter of stopping eating and starting to exercise. We need to be kinder and recognise that obesity is a chronic disease affecting over 1 billion people - surely we cannot all be lazy!
A call for compassion on World Obesity Day
On World Obesity Day 2026, Yazen is calling for a shift in how obesity and its treatment are discussed — in the media, in workplaces, in healthcare and at home. It is time to move away from blame and moral judgement, and towards evidence, empathy and respect.
For more information:
Fredrik Pallin, Head of PR Yazen
fredrik.pallin@yazen.com
+46 708 114 115
About World Obesity Day
World Obesity Day on 4 March 2026 brings the world together to increase understanding of obesity and to drive prevention and treatment efforts forward. This year’s campaign emphasises that obesity is a global societal challenge affecting everyone, particularly children and vulnerable groups. With projections indicating that half of the world’s population could be living with overweight or obesity by 2035, the campaign highlights the urgent need for systemic change, reduced stigma and equitable access to care. The message is clear: obesity is a shared societal challenge that requires shared responsibility.
Read more at: https://www.worldobesityday.org/about-wod
About the Research
This research surveyed over 1,352 active Yazen patients across Sweden, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Denmark, with data collection completed in January 2026. Results underwent standardized statistical analysis and independent medical expert review. The study aims to advance understanding of real-world outcomes and patient experiences with contemporary weight management treatments. Data points have been rounded up.
About Yazen
Founded by health care professionals in Sweden in 2021, Yazen is pioneering a revolutionary approach to obesity treatment through digital healthcare. Combining groundbreaking GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP weight loss medications with comprehensive lifestyle guidance, Yazen offers a holistic, data-driven solution. Yazen is currently active in eight countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany and Spain. The Yazen-team consists of 270 employees, of which 200 work clinically – including 100 licensed physicians.
With over 35,000 patients that are currently undergoing treatment and a total of 47,000 patients, that have lost over 560 tons together, Yazen stands out in treating the global obesity epidemic. Its innovative model provides personalised obesity programmes through an advanced yet user-friendly app, enhancing access to specialist care including doctors, coaches, dietitians, psychologists and physiotherapists.
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