Obesity in Portugal: Urgent Action Needed – New Manifesto & Calls for Equal Healthcare Access

Urgent Call for National Obesity Strategy in Portugal as Disease Reaches ‘Pandemic’ Proportions

The rising rates of obesity are prompting a growing chorus of concern from medical professionals and patient advocacy groups in Portugal. A newly released manifesto is calling for a comprehensive national strategy to address what experts are describing as a “pandemic” of obesity, highlighting not only the severe health consequences but also the significant financial strain it places on the country’s National Health Service (SNS). The call for action comes as the world marks World Obesity Day, underscoring the urgent demand for systemic change in how obesity is understood, prevented and treated.

The manifesto, launched by a coalition of medical societies – including Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. Obesity Study; General and Family Medicine; Internal Medicine; and Obesity and Metabolic Surgery – alongside the Portuguese Association of People Living with Obesity (ADEXO), aims to bring attention to the multifaceted impact of obesity in Portugal. The initiative seeks to move beyond simply acknowledging the problem and towards implementing concrete actions that will improve the lives of those affected. The core argument centers on the need for a patient-centered approach, ensuring equitable access to care and structured responses within the SNS.

According to José Silva Nunes, president of the Portuguese Society for the Study of Obesity (SPEO), the financial implications of unchecked obesity are substantial. “Given the pandemic expression that this disease has, the impact is significant in financial terms. It is a serious public health problem,” he stated, emphasizing that obesity is a risk factor for over 200 health complications, including 13 different types of cancer. TSF reports that the escalating rates of obesity are placing an increasing burden on the Portuguese healthcare system.

Addressing Systemic Inequalities in Obesity Treatment

A central tenet of the manifesto is the demand for an end to discriminatory treatment of obesity compared to other chronic diseases. Experts argue that individuals living with obesity often face stigma and prejudice, impacting their personal and professional lives. They are frequently unfairly labeled as “lazy” or lacking willpower, a misconception that ignores the complex neurological basis of the disease. Silva Nunes stresses that obesity is not simply a matter of “closing your mouth and moving more,” but a condition rooted in neurological factors.

Beyond societal biases, the manifesto highlights significant disparities in access to treatment within Portugal. These inequalities manifest both regionally, with limited specialized services available in inland areas compared to the coast, and socioeconomically, as essential medications are often unaffordable and not covered by national health insurance. This creates a situation where access to effective treatment is determined by geographic location and financial status, a reality deemed “deeply unjust” by advocates. The concentration of specialized services along the coast leaves many in inland regions without adequate support, exacerbating the problem.

The call for a national strategy extends to the primary care level, with Paula Freitas, president of the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (SPEDM), advocating for obesity consultations within general healthcare settings. “If we have about 60% of the population with pre-obesity and obesity, we know that it is a complex and chronic disease, we also need to have prepared in primary care consultations for these patients,” she explained. Freitas emphasized that effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, psychologists, nutritionists, and physiologists, and that even in the absence of ideal resources, accessible consultations are crucial for developing individualized treatment plans, potentially including surgical interventions.

Combating Stigma and Promoting a Holistic Approach

The manifesto doesn’t solely focus on medical interventions; it also underscores the critical need to combat the pervasive stigma associated with obesity. Individuals with obesity frequently experience discrimination in various aspects of life, including employment, where they may be overlooked for positions despite possessing equal qualifications. This prejudice stems from harmful stereotypes and a lack of understanding about the complex nature of the disease. Addressing this stigma is seen as essential for creating a supportive environment where individuals experience empowered to seek assist and engage in treatment.

The multifaceted nature of obesity necessitates a holistic approach that goes beyond simply prescribing medication or recommending dietary changes. Long-term support and a multidisciplinary team are vital for successful management. This includes addressing the psychological and emotional factors that often contribute to obesity, as well as providing guidance on lifestyle modifications and behavioral strategies. The emphasis is on empowering patients to take control of their health and well-being, rather than simply imposing restrictive measures.

According to data from Portugal’s Directorate-General for Health, more than a quarter of the adult population is overweight, and approximately two million people live with obesity. The economic impact of the disease is also significant, accounting for around 10% of total health expenditure and 3% of the country’s GDP. Viver Saudável reports on the growing economic burden of obesity in Portugal.

Looking Ahead: ADEXO and the IV Congress of Obesity

The push for a national obesity strategy is gaining momentum, with the Associação Portuguesa de Pessoas que Vivem com Obesidade (ADEXO) playing a key role in advocating for the rights and needs of individuals affected by the disease. ADEXO is actively participating in events aimed at raising awareness and promoting action, including the IV Congress of Obesity organized by Academia Trofa Saúde, scheduled for March 5, 2026. ADEXO’s website details their involvement in the upcoming congress and other initiatives related to obesity awareness.

The congress, taking place on World Obesity Day, will serve as a platform for experts, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates to discuss the latest research, share best practices, and collaborate on strategies to combat the obesity epidemic. It represents a crucial opportunity to translate the demands outlined in the manifesto into concrete actions and policies that will improve the lives of millions of Portuguese citizens.

The next key step will be observing the response from the Portuguese government to the manifesto’s demands. Advocates are hopeful that the growing awareness of the issue and the compelling evidence presented will lead to the development and implementation of a comprehensive national obesity strategy. The success of this effort will depend on a collaborative approach involving healthcare providers, policymakers, and the community as a whole.

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