Obesity Community Fund

05/06/2026

Obesity care should be based on evidence — not judgement.

The SAMMSS guidelines remind us that obesity is a complex, chronic disease that can affect many areas of health, including metabolic wellbeing, mobility, heart health and quality of life.

For some patients, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. A structured medical assessment can help determine which treatment options may be appropriate, including nutritional support, medical management or bariatric surgery.

At the Obesity Community Fund, our mission is to help create access, awareness and support for people living with obesity — with dignity at the centre of every journey.

You are not a number. You are a person deserving of care.

This information is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.

https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/issue/view/149
www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

02/06/2026

14 patients helped through the Obesity Community Fund.

Every number represents a person.
Every patient represents a journey.
Every journey represents hope, courage and a new opportunity for better health.

Through the support of our members, sponsors, partners and medical professionals Dr Thinus Smit , the Obesity Community Fund continues to make a real difference in the lives of people living with obesity.

We are grateful for every person who contributes to this mission.

If you want to be part of this journey and help us continue changing lives, visit:
www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

29/05/2026

“I stopped existing… and started living.”

These are the powerful words of Anuscka Rossouw, one of the patients supported through the Obesity Community Fund.

For years, Anuscka struggled with her weight. She tried to lose weight many times, but the results were never sustainable. Slowly, she found herself withdrawing from life, missing moments with her children, and feeling as if life was passing her by.

As a mother of two young children, the hardest part was realising that she was no longer fully present in their lives.

Then she made the decision to have a gastric sleeve.

Within 9 weeks, her life started to change. Her back pain became less, she started doing things with her family again, and most importantly — she started seeing herself again.

Anuscka started at 102 kg and is now 87 kg.

But her journey is about more than weight loss.

It is about hope.
It is about dignity.
It is about getting her life back.

Through the Obesity Community Fund, Anuscka was given an opportunity to take the next step toward health, confidence and a better quality of life.

Her message is simple:

You do not have to stay trapped where you are forever.
You do not have to just exist.
You deserve to live.

28/05/2026

Today is Day 1 for another patient on the Obesity Community Fund journey 💫

He is one of 13 patients we’ve now supported through surgery with the help of the fund.

Behind every number is a real person with a real chance at a healthier future.

Bariatric surgery is never the “easy way out.”
It’s a tool and for many people, it’s life-changing.
It can mean improved health, mobility, confidence, energy and a "second chance" at life.

I'm so grateful to be part of these journeys alongside an incredible team 🤸🏼‍♂️




Thank you to everyone who supports, donates, swims, shares and helps make this possible ❤️

27/05/2026

27/05/2026

13 lives impacted. 13 journeys supported. 13 reasons to keep going.

Through the Obesity Community Fund, 13 patients have already received support on their bariatric surgery journey — and every patient represents hope, courage and a new chapter.

This is only possible because of our incredible community, members, sponsors, partners and medical professionals who believe in creating access, dignity and change for people living with obesity.

Together, we are making a real difference.

If you want to be part of this journey, register as a member and help us continue making a difference. Visit our website formore information www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

27/05/2026

This is a good day!

25/05/2026

Join Dr Thinus Smit and his team for this valuable webinar:
What patients expect and what they should expect
🗓 28 May
🕖 19:00
This session will help patients better understand the journey, manage expectations, and feel more informed and empowered every step of the way.

Register here:
https://www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za/event-details/what-patients-expect-and-what-they-should-expect

22/05/2026

Join Dr Thinus Smit and his team for this valuable webinar:
What patients expect and what they should expect
🗓 28 May
🕖 19:00

This session will help patients better understand the journey, manage expectations, and feel more informed and empowered every step of the way.

Register here:
https://www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za/event-details/what-patients-expect-and-what-they-should-expect

08/05/2026

Meet Bella Groenewald, the social media voice behind the Obesity Community Fund. For Bella, this work is deeply personal. As a patient herself, preparing for surgery soon, she understands just how important support, representation, and access to the right information truly are. She is passionate about sharing real stories, creating awareness around obesity, and helping others feel less alone as they navigate their own journeys with hope and confidence. Being part of this community means everything to her.

For more information visit our website: www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za