Event summary produced by The Globe and Mail Events team. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.
Socio-economic status, gender disparities, and regional differences often shape the prevalence and outcomes of obesity. These factors, combined with the stigmas directed at those living with obesity, makes managing what is increasingly viewed as a chronic disease even more challenging.
On June 19, 2025 The Globe and Mail hosted an event where experts discussed how treating obesity as a chronic disease can prevent a range of other health conditions and reduce costs to Canada’s economy long term.
Speakers:
Hans Krueger, President of H. Krueger & Associates Inc.; Adjunct Professor at the UBC School of Population and Public Health
Lisa Schaffer, Executive Director, Obesity Canada
Dr. Megha Poddar, MD, FRCPC, ABOM; Endocrinology & Metabolism, Obesity Medicine; Medical Director, Medical Weight Management Centre of Canada; Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct), McMaster University
André Picard, Health Reporter and Columnist, The Globe and Mail (moderator)
Key Themes and Insights
1. Economic Burden
- According to Krueger’s research, obesity costs Canada an estimated $54-billion annually, including direct healthcare and indirect societal costs.
- Obesity Canada’s Cost of Inaction report estimates $27-billion in losses, emphasizing the need for early, proactive intervention.
2. Reframing Obesity
- Dr. Poddar shared that obesity is a chronic, brain-based disease, not a result of personal failure.
- Schaffer and Dr. Poddar stressed the need to shift from a willpower narrative to one based on biology, genetics, and environment.
3. GLP-1 Medications
- GLP-1 receptor agonists are revolutionary treatments that regulate appetite and improve metabolic health.
- They help reduce hunger, improve insulin sensitivity, and support sustainable weight management.
- These drugs are not a cure-all—they work best when combined with behavioural and psychological support.
- Dr. Poddar said GLP-1s have a strong safety profile, with over a decade of use in diabetes care and growing real-world data.
4. Chronic Disease Model
- Obesity should be treated like other chronic diseases, requiring lifelong care that may include medication, lifestyle support, and bariatric surgery.
- Dr. Poddar shared that surgery remains the most effective for sustained weight loss but is not scalable. Medications help bridge the access gap.
5. Access and Equity
- Cost and access to GLP-1 drugs are major challenges. Public coverage is more likely when drugs show hard outcomes, such as reduced cardiovascular events.
“Probably the first ever obesity medication that’s going to be publicly covered is going to be for established cardiovascular disease because we now have a clinical trial that showed if you go on to a certain obesity drug and you have heart disease, your chance of having another event is 20 per cent less when you’re on these medications. That’s a real hard numerical economic benefit that you can attribute.”
- Schaffer shared that treating obesity early could prevent over 250 related chronic conditions, potentially saving billions in healthcare costs.
- Obesity Canada is advocating for systemic change and encourages individuals to support petitions and educate their representatives.
6. Beyond Weight Loss
- Obesity treatment is not just about pounds lost. It’s about improving self-efficacy, confidence, mobility, and quality of life.
- Metrics like happiness and mental well-being are harder to quantify but essential to success.
- The panel emphasized body diversity and autonomy, noting that people can be healthy at various sizes.
7. Mental Health and Support
- Mental health is a core pillar of obesity treatment, alongside medication and surgery.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and emotional support help individuals reconnect with their sense of self and improve long-term outcomes.
- Many patients report that treatment helps them trust themselves again, which is key to thriving in work, family, and community life.
8. Clinical Considerations
- Not everyone is a candidate for GLP-1s. Conditions including medullary thyroid cancer, chronic pancreatitis, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
- Weight gain during menopause is normal for many women and not always a medical concern. Treatment decisions should be individualized based on health impact and personal goals.
9. Hope and Momentum
- The panelists express strong optimism about the future of obesity care in Canada.
- Canada is home to pioneering research in obesity science, including the discovery of GLP-1.
- There is growing momentum from healthcare providers, researchers, and people with lived experience to push for systemic change. The focus is shifting from asking individuals to change, to changing systems. For example, reducing stigma, and enabling better care.
The Globe and Mail presented the event with sponsor support from Obesity Canada and Eli Lilly Canada.