Obesity in Portugal not a chronic illness « Euro Weekly News

Despite growing concerns from doctors and international health organisations, obesity is still not officially recognised as a chronic disease in Portugal. This is creating serious problems for thousands of people who struggle to access proper treatment. Health experts say the lack of recognition is one of the main reasons many patients are being left behind in the system, with some even dying while waiting for their first consultation.

According to a recent report by the Portuguese Association for the Study of Obesity (APSO), the country is not giving this issue the attention it deserves. APSO says that although obesity is linked to several major health risks, including heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer, the national health system continues to treat it as a lifestyle issue rather than a medical condition that needs long-term care.

Doctors involved in the report are calling for urgent changes. They want obesity to be officially classified as a chronic disease in Portugal. This would help improve access to medical support, make treatment plans more consistent and allow patients to receive the same type of follow-up care offered to people with other chronic conditions like asthma or high blood pressure.

Many patients have to wait months or even years to see a specialist. Some never make it. The association reports that there are cases where patients with severe obesity die before getting their first medical appointment. These delays are not only frustrating for patients, they are also dangerous.

Obesity is a complex condition. It is influenced by genetics, environment, mental health and socio-economic factors. It is not simply about diet or willpower. Treating it properly takes time, understanding and long-term support. That includes nutritional advice, psychological counselling, medication when needed and in some cases, surgery.

However, none work well unless the healthcare system recognises the condition as a serious and ongoing medical problem. In countries where obesity is treated as a chronic disease, like Canada and the United States, patients have better access to treatment and support. There is also more funding for research and prevention campaigns.

In Portugal, the opposite is true. There are not enough obesity clinics, and most general practitioners do not receive specialised training on treating the condition. Even when help is available, it is often limited to short-term diets or basic advice that does not deal with the root causes.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) already recognises obesity as a chronic disease. So do the European Commission and many national health authorities. APSO believes Portugal should follow their lead, especially given the rising numbers. Around 60 per cent of the adult population in Portugal is either overweight or obese, according to the latest figures from the National Institute of Statistics.

This growing crisis also affects younger people. One in three Portuguese children is overweight or obese, one of the highest rates in Europe. Without early intervention and proper care, many of them will face serious health issues later in life.

The impact goes beyond health. Obesity places a heavy burden on the healthcare system. It increases hospital admissions, medication costs and the risk of long-term disability. It also affects mental health, leading to social isolation, low self-esteem and depression. Recognising it as a chronic condition could help reduce this impact by offering earlier and more effective care.

Some Portuguese hospitals are starting to respond. A few multidisciplinary centres now offer coordinated care for obesity patients, including doctors, dietitians and mental health professionals. But these are few and far between. Most patients still rely on a system not set up to meet their needs.

The hope is that pressure from health experts and real-life stories from patients will lead to change. In a recent interview, APSO president Paula Freitas said that obesity needs to be taken as seriously as any other chronic disease. “We are talking about people who are dying without care,” she said. “This cannot continue.”

In the meantime, APSO is calling for a national plan to address the issue. They want better training for doctors, more investment in treatment centres and official recognition of obesity as a chronic condition. They believe this would lead to better patient outcomes and a healthier future for the country.

Until then, the reality for many remains the same: long waits, little support and a system that has yet to fully accept that obesity is not a choice but a serious medical condition that needs proper care.