Rising above Weight Stigma with Felicity Cohen

Scientific studies have documented clear, consistent evidence that overweight people face discrimination in employment, education, and health care. In Australia, where 25 percent of young people and 67 percent of adults are overweight or obese, weight bias affects millions, at a steadily increasing rate. In Australia, according to ABS figures 2017-18, an estimated one in four (25 percent) children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 were overweight or obese – 1.2 million children and adolescents. An estimated two in three (67 percent) of adults over 18 were overweight or obese. That’s around 12.5 million Aussie adults. According to Felicity Cohen, CEO at WeightLoss Solutions Australia (WLSA), information compiled by the Obesity Action Coalition proves weight bias and weight stigma have adverse effects on people’s mental health their prospects in their careers and their lives. “The experts have found ‘weight hate’ is considered the last form of acceptable discrimination – but it shouldn’t be. It should be deemed as unacceptable as sexual or racial discrimination. “Obesity is no longer considered a cosmetic issue that is caused by overeating and a lack of self-control. The World Health Organization (WHO), along with international medical and scientific societies, recognise obesity as a chronic progressive disease resulting from multiple environmental and genetic factors. The stigmatisation of people with obesity is widespread and causes harm. Weight stigma is often propagated and tolerated in society because of beliefs that stigma and shame will motivate people to lose weight, however, rather than motivating positive change, this stigma contributes to behaviours such as binge eating, social isolation, avoidance of health care services, decreased physical activity, and increased weight gain. Weight bias can have a significant impact on social, economic, psychological and physical health. Social and economic consequences include social rejection, poor quality of relationships, worse academic outcomes and lower socio-economic status. Health consequences can include behaviours such as binge eating, unhealthy weight control practices, which may contribute to physical health problems and increased weight gain. “The disease of obesity is extremely costly not only in terms of economics, but also in terms of individual and societal health, longevity, and psychological well-being. Due to its progressive nature, obesity requires life-long treatment and control.” In 2000, when Felicity established WLSA she was motivated by helping people from all walks of life to address their weight concerns. “From the start I have been passionate about helping people gain control of their weight,” she recounts. “My mum struggled with weight throughout her life, and we all know somebody in our circle who has experienced this kind of struggle. The reality is the numbers are growing. Currently, two in three people suffer some kind of weight problem and the health issues associated with that. “Over the past 20 years, I have learnt that the complications and ongoing issues of being overweight have devastating impact on people’s lives, and I have seen that what we can achieve through a multi-disciplinary approach changes people’s lives for the better.” In 20 years, technological advances to diagnose, assess, evaluate and support patients have meant treatment can be entirely customised to suit each individual, not a “one size fits all” program. “I am a firm advocate for the patient population,” says Felicity. “I have made a lot of noise in this industry over the past two decades and I intend to continue to make an impact towards change, not just around weight bias, but also resolution of comorbid conditions and quality of life outcomes.” WLSA harnesses the skills and expertise of respected GPs, RNs, Dietitians, Psychologists and Physical Therapists to develop a holistic approach to each patient’s goals and requirements. “Using our multi-disciplinary team support, we tailor a holistic plan to suit each person and ensure it’s effective and sustainable. Our process creates new pathways to a total lifestyle and behavioural change with the objective of restoring people’s confidence to go after jobs, form enduring relationships and pursue their dreams. “Our mission is to advocate for patients suffering from medical concerns and how society views them is our focus. There is no judgment, no discrimination here.” In October 2020, Felicity and her team were honoured with three prestigious 2020 Stevie Awards for Women in Business: a Gold Stevie Award in the category of Female Entrepreneur of the Year and two Bronze Stevie Awards, the first for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in Asia, Australia-New Zealand and the second for Most Innovative Company of the Year. “What drives me every day is seeing results, seeing people get rid of their medical comorbid conditions, living their best lives and the self-esteem outcomes. Patients improve their physical health, which is prevention for their health in the future.”

For information Tel: (07) 5598 0500 or visit wlsa.com.au