This alarming trend points to a growing public health crisis, with rising obesity rates contributing to an increase in related illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
As explained by Professor Lucyna Ostrowska, President of the Polish Society for Obesity Treatment, in an interview with national broadcaster Polish Radio's Information Agency (IAR), obesity is a disease that leads to over 200 complications and requires proper treatment.
According to the expert, it is one of the most complex conditions, with serious health consequences that can shorten life expectancy by three to four years.
In Poland, patients suffering from obesity face long delays in receiving a diagnosis and beginning treatment, often encountering social stigma.
Professor Mariusz Wyleżoł, president-elect of the Polish Society for Obesity Treatment, stated that this stigma leads many patients to avoid seeking treatment because they feel it is their personal failure, something that does not apply to other diseases.
Professor Wyleżoł added, "This is why many patients don't seek treatment—they live with the belief that their obesity is their own fault, a lack of willpower. No other disease is treated this way."
Despite the seriousness of the issue, only a small percentage of patients receive medication, underscoring the need for better healthcare access and prevention.
In Poland, just 1% of obese patients are treated with drugs, while 58% Eurostat statistics show that 58% of adults are overweight, and 21% are classified as obese.
On October 24, Poland observes Obesity Awareness Day, recognizing the approximately 9 million Poles affected by the issue.
Source: IAR/Eurostat/GIS
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