Beirut, Lebanon, 18 June 2026
Weight is not a willpower problem. Lebanese experts are changing the conversation. From clinicians and psychologists to nutritionists and government representatives, a national dialogue is finally underway.
On 18 June 2026, Novo Nordisk, in collaboration with the Lebanese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Lipids (LSEDL), convened a national dialogue on weight management in Beirut, moderated by LSEDL Vice President Dr Maya Barake. In Lebanon, where nearly one in three adults is living with obesity¹, part of a global epidemic affecting more than one billion people worldwide², too many people are still bearing the weight of a false belief: that their condition is entirely their own fault³. Yet science tells a different story. “Body weight is influenced by a combination of biological, hormonal, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors,” said Dr Hajar Ballout, President of LSEDL. “When people seek guidance early, healthcare professionals can help create personalized plans that support long-term health and well-being.”
But knowing the science is not enough when stigma still shapes how society responds. That stigma carries a real psychological cost, one that goes beyond emotional pain and actively prevents people from seeking the help they need. Both Dr Rajaa Makki, President of the Lebanese Order of Psychologists, and Dr Nathalie Yaghi, Vice President of the Lebanese Order of Dietitians, stressed that stigma and unrealistic expectations are the two biggest barriers standing between people and their health goals. “Empathy and consistent support are not optional. They are essential parts of the care journey.” said Dr Makki. Dr Yaghi echoed this, emphasizing that the solution lies in small, achievable goals rather than overwhelming change. For some, lifestyle and behavioral changes may be sufficient. For others, additional medical support may be needed as part of a comprehensive care plan under specialist supervision⁴, as emphasized by Dr Ballout and Dr Rodrigue Chemaly, President of the Lebanese Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery Group.
Yet individual care alone cannot solve what is also a societal challenge. The environments people grow up and live in : their schools, communities, and public spaces, shape their habits long before they ever see a doctor⁵. Recognizing this, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health represented by Miss Wafaa Kanaan and Ministry of Education and Higher Education represented by Miss Sonia Najem joined the dialogue and committed to making prevention a shared national priority: embedding healthy habits in schools, creating opportunities for active living in communities, and ensuring the right support is accessible to all. “Prevention begins early,” stated Miss Kanaan. All agreed that when institutions work together, healthier choices become more accessible for everyone.
The message is clear: managing weight is a journey, and no one should have to face it alone. If you are struggling, support is available. Consult your doctor. Take the first step toward living lighter, physically and emotionally.
References
1. World Obesity Federation. World Obesity Atlas 2025 – Lebanon Adult Obesity Prevalence (30.72%).
2. World Health Organization. Obesity and Overweight – Fact Sheet, 2024.
3. Puhl RM, Heuer CA. The Stigma of Obesity: A Review and Update. Obesity. 2009;17(5):941–964.
4. Obesity Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines. Medical Management of Obesity, 2020 update.
5. The Lancet Commission on Obesity. The Global Syndemic of Obesity, Undernutrition, and Climate Change. The Lancet. 2019.