East Rand Institute of Metabolic Medicine

17/03/2026

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Colon (colorectal) cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early yet many people delay screening because they feel well or are unsure when to start.
Know the facts:
•Screening saves lives
•Early stages often have no symptoms
•Lifestyle choices, family history, and age all play a role

Taking simple steps including regular screening, a balanced diet, physical activity, and managing weight can significantly reduce risk.
This March, let’s break the stigma, encourage conversations, and remind one another that prevention and early detection matter.

13/03/2026

Obesity does not occur in isolation — it is shaped by social, economic and environmental factors across the life course.These outcomes are not inevitable. By shifting from stigma to understanding, prioritising early prevention and ensuring equitable access to care, we can change the trajectory of obesity for future generations.

10/03/2026

Obesity is a complex, chronic medical condition that requires more than a single solution.
Evidence shows that the most effective care comes from a multidisciplinary approach, where specialists work together to support patients. This may include doctors, dietitians, psychologists, nurses and exercise physiologists, each playing an important role in improving long-term metabolic health.
Better outcomes happen when healthcare works together around the patient.

06/03/2026

Childhood obesity is one of the most urgent health challenges of our time. On World Obesity Day and during March, we are reminded that obesity is a chronic, relapsing medical condition not a lifestyle choice, not a failure of willpower, and certainly not
something that affects adults alone. Early identification. Structured support. Compassionate conversations. Evidence-based treatment. These are the tools that change trajectories. Let’s shift the narrative from stigma to science and from judgement to support.

04/03/2026

It was a privilege to attend an important discussion in Johannesburg last night with leading experts in obesity medicine and metabolic health.

Together with Registered Dietitian Sunette Swart, Dr Wayne May (Cape Town Endocrinologist and Co-Chair of the South African Obesity Guidelines), and Professor Carel le Roux (University College Dublin and Director of Metabolic Medicine), we discussed the latest thinking around obesity as a chronic disease and the future of evidence-based obesity treatment.

One message is increasingly clear from global research and clinical practice: Obesity is a chronic disease that requires long-term, multidisciplinary medical care.

The goal of obesity treatment is not simply weight loss — the goal is health gains. Improving metabolic health, reducing complications and supporting long-term wellbeing for people living with obesity are central to modern obesity care.

Conversations like these are critical as we continue to advance obesity science, metabolic medicine and compassionate patient care both in South Africa and internationally.

04/03/2026

03/03/2026

Metabolic health is not a trend. It is the foundation of long-term wellbeing.
In this video, Dr Angela discusses why understanding the root causes of weight gain, insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction is far more important than focusing on quick fixes. Sustainable health requires informed conversations, personalised
care and evidence-based interventions. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are complex, chronic conditions not simply matters of willpower. As healthcare professionals and patients, we need to shift the conversation from blame to biology, from stigma to science. When we approach metabolic health with clarity, compassion, and
clinical evidence, we empower better outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
This March, let’s build awareness, asking better questions, and
supporting informed decision-making.

27/02/2026

In this video, Dr Murphy addresses one of the most urgent global health challenges: childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is a chronic, relapsing metabolic disease not a lifestyle choice. Rates of childhood overweight and obesity are increasing in South Africa and globally. We must shift the conversation: From stigma to science. From blame to biology. From reaction to prevention. Protecting children’s metabolic health today reduces the future burden of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity-related complications.

26/02/2026

Childhood obesity is rising fast – but together we can change the story. Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive.
8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity.
This World Obesity Day – find out how you can support
change.



25/02/2026

The roots of obesity run deep.
Obesity is not caused by one single factor and it is certainly not a failure of willpower.
Biology, genetics, mental health, sleep, life events, food environments, healthcare access and stigma all play a role.
If we truly want to change outcomes, we must move beyond oversimplified messages and address the root causes of obesity with understanding, evidence-based care and
compassion.
By working together across healthcare, communities and policy — we can create a healthier future for all.

24/02/2026

From rising NCDs to widening inequality – there are 8 billion reasons to take action. Together we can change the story. 8 billion Reasons to Act on Obesity – Share your Reason now.

23/02/2026

Obesity is one of the defining health challenges of our time — and it starts earlierthan many realise.
Childhood obesity is rising rapidly, bringing serious physical, emotional and social consequences that can last a lifetime.
This World Obesity Day, we are called to shift the narrative: from blame to understanding, from stigma to support. Together, we can change the story of obesity.