“The World Health Organization defines obesity as a breach in psychological, biological, and social well-being, meeting the criteria for a disease. We now have clear evidence that obesity results from physiological disruptions in the body”

DR. YVES ROBITAILLE,CENTRE FOR METABOLIC MEDICINE

“It’s not only about the medication. Obesity is a complex condition that requires robust support systems. Proper nutrition, access to psychological support, and leave time for recovery − particularly for those undergoing surgeries like bariatric procedures − are critical”

ANNIE MOHAMMED BOUCHAIB, NOVO NORDISK

“When we understand that this is a vulnerable population, one of the first steps is building trust. Whether it’s a doctor, a pharmaceutical company, or an employer, how are you showing that you care and providing evidence-based treatment?”

SANDRA ELIA,FOOD ADDICTION RECOVERY PROGRAM

“Treating these conditions early through obesity management programs can prevent the progression of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other comorbidities, which not only improve health outcomes but also reduce the overall economic burden on businesses”

JOANNE JUNG, WTW

In Partnership with

Understanding obesity as a chronic disease

Leaders share insights on addressing obesity as a chronic disease, highlighting the need for holistic employee benefits support and proactive health strategies

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Amine Mohammed Bouchaib

Novo Nordisk

Sandra Elia

Food Addiction Recovery Program

Joanne Jung

WTW

Dr. Yves Robitaille

Centre for Metabolic Medicine

Industry experts

OBESITY IS more than just weight − it’s a complex medical condition that has significant implications for individuals and employers alike. Recognizing it as a chronic disease, driven by a multifaceted interplay of several factors, is crucial to effectively managing it within the workplace. One of the most significant impacts of obesity is its association with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal issues, and certain cancers.1 Obesity increases the risk for most of the top health benefit cost drivers in Canada.2 However, by proactively addressing obesity, employers can contribute to increased productivity and enhance the well-being of employees.3

As Dr. Yves Robitaille, MD and specialist in internal medicine at the Centre for Metabolic Medicine, explains, “We now have a wealth of science showing that obesity isn’t just about choices. Adipose tissue, the body’s energy reserve, is essential for survival, but flaws in its regulation can lead to disease. When these mechanisms fail, obesity becomes a chronic condition − not simply an issue of personal willpower.” Robitaille adds that even life choices, often viewed as the primary driver of obesity, are partially influenced by genetic predispositions and environmental factors. “The World Health Organization defines obesity as a breach in psychological, biological, and social well-being, meeting the criteria for a disease,” he says. “We now have clear evidence that obesity results from physiological disruptions in the body. It’s time to treat it with the same seriousness as other chronic diseases.” While the scientific community has made strides in understanding obesity as a chronic condition, its impact on workplace health and productivity underscores the need for proactive strategies that address its root causes. In conversation with Benefits and Pensions Monitor, Robitaille joined other experts − Amine Mohammed Bouchaib, director of patient access for obesity at Novo Nordisk; Sandra Elia, best-selling author, public speaker, and founder of the Food Addiction Recovery Program; and Joanne Jung, pharmacy practice leader at WTW − to discuss the importance of employers addressing underlying factors to build effective strategies that support employees’ overall health and well-being.

This pervasive stigma not only affects individuals’ self-esteem; it also impacts how healthcare systems and employers approach obesity, often delaying intervention until other chronic conditions arise. “Canadian healthcare − we can be reactive, and not proactive. There is sometimes a shortsightedness and unwillingness to look at the root cause,” Elia remarks, emphasizing that addressing obesity only after it leads to conditions like type 2 diabetes or metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis is too late. “Why not help people before we cross those lines into other chronic conditions that then become a lifetime support?” Elia stresses that this bias needs to change, stating, “When we understand that this is a vulnerable population, one of the first steps is building trust. Whether it’s a doctor, a pharmaceutical company, or an employer, how are you showing that you care and providing evidence-based treatment?”

Unlike other chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, there’s often an undue burden placed on proving the cost-effectiveness of treating obesity. Bouchaib notes that the healthcare system rarely demands such proof for other diseases, adding, “The purpose of a health plan is to provide health for the employees, not simply to save money.” He stresses that while long-term studies on the cost-effectiveness of treating obesity exist, the focus should be on short-term outcomes and overall employee well-being. Employees living with obesity should have the same rights and access to treatment as those with other chronic diseases. The economic burden of obesity in the workplace Beyond the individual challenges, the societal and economic consequences of untreated obesity are equally significant, particularly in the workplace. Obesity is on the rise globally. Since 1975, there’s been a threefold increase in the proportion of adults classified as living with obesity, with approximately 30 percent of Canadian adults now falling into this category.3 The economic burden of obesity in Canada was estimated at $7.1 billion in 2006, with $3.9 billion in direct medical costs and $3.2 billion in indirect costs such as disability and productivity loss.4 Employers need to consider the broader implications of this rise and recognize that while the rising cost of obesity medications has raised concerns about sustainability, treating obesity early and effectively can prevent costly complications down the line.

The societal view of obesity as a lifestyle condition perpetuates bias and stigma, hindering those affected from seeking help. Elia points out that while Obesity Canada has provided clear practice guidelines involving psychological support, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery, many employees still aren’t receiving the appropriate treatments. Employers who continue to view obesity through the lens of personal responsibility contribute to the internalized shame employees may feel. Elia says, “There are very few other disease states that carry so much judgment.”

Jung notes, “Treating these conditions early through obesity management programs can prevent the progression of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other comorbidities, which not only improve health outcomes but also reduce the overall economic burden on businesses.”

Elia’s personal experience highlights the true cost of ignoring obesity in the workplace. “I started at a very prestigious consulting firm, probably one of the top in the world, and they hired me at one weight. I fell prey to a commercial diet and lost 50 lbs in six months. People were so impressed, but my brain went into starvation mode, and I regained over 100 lbs in just a year and a half.” The weight gain took a toll not just on her physical health but on her mental well-being too. “It was humiliating. I asked for a reduced workweek to take care of my health, but they said no. Eventually, I had to take sick leave.” Her story underscores the cost of inaction. “They didn’t help me because they saw it as a lifestyle choice, but that decision ended up costing them three months of my absence and the costs of hiring a replacement who took months to catch up,” Elia points out. When she returned, she was one of the company’s most productive employees for another 10 years, proving that investing in employee health benefits the company in the long run. Elia’s story is not uncommon. Obesity and mental health are closely intertwined, with either factor potentially a complication or a cause. “People suffering from obesity have a higher rate of mental health issues,” Robitaille explains, “whether it’s anxiety, depressive disorders, or related conditions. Conversely, individuals with mental health issues are at a higher risk of developing obesity.” This bidirectional relationship stems from various factors. “Many drugs used to treat anxiety and depression contribute to weight gain, which can escalate into obesity,” says Robitaille. “Both conditions are closely linked because the brain areas controlling eating behaviours and mental health overlap significantly. These connections underline the importance of psychological support and mental health treatment as essential components of obesity care.” Of adults with depression, 20−50 percent5 also live with obesity, which can be exacerbated by societal stigma and discrimination. Jung states that employers must address both conditions to ensure comprehensive care. This might involve linking employees to mental health providers through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or offering more robust coverage for psychological services.

Robitaille explains that Obesity Canada’s clinical guidelines outline three pillars of treatment: lifestyle modifications, psychological support, and pharmacotherapy. “A program that is built by professionals and supervised by professionals will give more efficient results,” he states. He notes that coverage for healthcare professionals like dietitians and kinesiologists, who are critical in treating obesity, is often inadequate compared to the coverage for alternative professionals like naturopaths. Robitaille points out that insurance programs sometimes reimburse only $20 to $30 per appointment with a dietitian, while the actual cost is four times that amount. This lack of coverage undermines effective obesity treatment, which should involve medical nutritional therapy and guided exercise programs created by kinesiologists. Research shows that even modest weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, with a 13 percent weight reduction cutting that risk by 41 percent.6 Bouchaib emphasizes, “It’s not only about the medication. Obesity is a complex condition that requires robust support systems. Proper nutrition, access to psychological support, and leave time for recovery − particularly for those undergoing surgeries like bariatric procedures − are critical.” He also highlights the need for employers to create inclusive workplaces for employees living with obesity. “Employers should ensure that facilities are accessible and that all measures are in place to provide patients with as normal a working experience as possible. These considerations go beyond health plans and contribute to a supportive, equitable environment.”

There is a clear need for a societal shift in how obesity is perceived and addressed − particularly by the group benefits industry. Historically, obesity has been lumped together with lifestyle conditions like smoking cessation in benefit plans, reinforcing the notion that it is a result of personal choices. Robitaille points out that if society recognizes obesity as a disease, there should be no question about covering the full range of treatments, from psychological support to medication. “We’re not asking if we should cover drugs for the heart; it comes with the fact that heart disease is a disease,” he says. “The same logic should apply to obesity.” Employers have the power to change this narrative by recognizing obesity as a disease that requires the same evidence-based treatment and compassion afforded to other chronic conditions.

Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark, that focuses on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative biological medicines for serious chronic diseases. Their core areas include diabetes, obesity, haemophilia, and growth disorders.

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Amine M. Bouchaib is a director of access at Novo Nordisk Canada, overseeing all reimbursement- and access-related activities, private and public, for obesity and rare diseases. Amine holds a master’s degree in corporate finance from Lille 2 university in France and has held several functional roles in various markets in Africa, Europe, and Asia during his 15 years in the pharmaceutical industry. Since joining Novo Nordisk Canada in 2020, Bouchaib has been leading and engaged in various initiatives progressing the obesity reimbursement discussions and advancing the overall coverage for obesity treatments in Canada.

Novo Nordisk

Amine Mohammed Bouchaib

Sandra Elia is the chair of Obesity Matters, an international speaker, best-selling author of Never Enough: Three Pillars of Food Addiction Recovery, and a certified food addiction counsellor. She created the Food Addiction Recovery Program, Canada’s first outpatient program of its kind, now running in medical clinics nationwide, and is a leading advocate for dignified, evidence-based care.

Food Addicion Recovery Program

Sandra Elia

Joanne Jung is the leader of Willis Towers Watson’s pharmacy practice in Canada. With 27 years of pharmacy experience, she leads the national team of pharmacy experts that advise employers on managing pharmacy benefits for employees. Also, as a clinical pharmacist, she gained critical acclaim for her innovation in developing the clinical practice of hospital pharmacists.

WTW

Joanne Jung

Yves Robitaille obtained his specialist certificate in internal medicine from the University of Montreal in 1996. He has successively held the positions of chief of internal medicine, chief of critical care, department head, and chair of the CMDP at the CSSS de Lanaudière. He currently serves as department head again and is also a scientific member of the Research Ethics Committee. In addition to his clinical practice, Robitaille is also involved in clinical research, having been a principal investigator in numerous studies, including ADVANCE, TECOS, DECLARE, EXSCEL, SURE, CanTreat, and Select.

Centre for Metabolic Medicine

Dr. Yves Robitaille

In Partnership with

Fighting for the customer

The customer owned a bank saw a huge boost after the Hayne Royal Commission. One year on and their market share is growing as customer continue to see their value.

Read on

Christopher Lee

MFAA head credit adviser, Finsure Finance and Insurance

Stewart Saunders

Heritage Bank

Darren McLeod

Beyond Bank

Fernando Lemos

Bank Australia

Industry experts

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Bank Australia

Fernando Lemos

Beyond Bank

Darren McLeod

Heritage Bank

Stewart Saunders

MFAA head credit adviser, Finsure Finance and Insurance

Christopher Lee

In Partnership with

Fighting for the customer

The customer owned a bank saw a huge boost after the Hayne Royal Commission. One year on and their market share is growing as customer continue to see their value.

Read on

Christopher Lee

MFAA head credit adviser, Finsure Finance and Insurance

Stewart Saunders

Heritage Bank

Darren McLeod

Beyond Bank

Fernando Lemos

Bank Australia

Industry experts

Beyond Bank

Darren McLeod

Heritage Bank

Stewart Saunders

MFAA head credit adviser, Finsure Finance and Insurance

Christopher Lee

Bank Australia

Fernando Lemos

Defining obesity beyond lifestyle factors

Published September 8, 2025

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Changing the perception of obesity

References https://obesitycanada.ca/understanding-obesity/ https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/lifestyles/obesity.html https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/catalogue/82-570-X Janssen, I. (2013). The public health burden of obesity in Canada. Canadian Journal of Diabetes, 37(2): 90−96; Anis A.H. et al. (2010). Obesity and overweight in Canada: an updated cost of illness study. Obesity Review, 11(1): 31−40. Taylor, V.H. et al. Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines: The Role of Mental Health in Obesity Management. Available from: https://obesitycanada.ca/guidelines/mentalhealth. Accessed January 2022. International Journal of Obesity. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-021-00788-4

About

Directories

Resources

Investments

Pensions

Benefits

News

RSS

Sitemap

Privacy

About us

External contributors

Authors

Terms & Conditions

People

Companies

About

Directories

Resources

Investments

Pensions

Benefits

News

RSS

Sitemap

Privacy

About us

External contributors

Authors

Terms & Conditions

People

Companies