Dr Thinus Smit

14/08/2026

This really tells the story of how much still needs to be done! This is a really insightful piece.

13/08/2026

The Obesity Health Centre is officially launched!

We are excited to share the next step in our journey to improve obesity care and support our patients.

The Obesity Health Centre (OHC) has been created to help people living with obesity better understand their health and the evidence-based treatment options available to them.

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease, and there is no single treatment that is right for everyone. Effective care may include lifestyle and nutritional support, medical treatment, bariatric surgery, or a combination of approaches—all supported by a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

If you are wondering where to start or would simply like to understand your treatment options, visit the Obesity Health Centre:

www.obesityhealthcentre.co.za

Your journey starts with understanding your options.

11/08/2026

I am proud to have co-authored the viewpoint article, *“Bariatric surgery should lead South Africa’s obesity treatment strategy,”* with Dr Jeanne Lubbe in the latest issue of the South African Journal of Surgery.

Together with our colleagues examining medical obesity treatment, we are contributing to an important national conversation: obesity must be recognised and treated as a chronic, relapsing disease—not dismissed as a lack of discipline or willpower.

Thank you to the researchers, clinicians, multidisciplinary teams and patients who continue to advance evidence-based, compassionate obesity care in South Africa.

*Source:* Smit JGM and Lubbe JA, South African Journal of Surgery, 2026.
https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.36303/SAJS.04659

Educational information only. Individual treatment requires assessment by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

06/08/2026

Why is a multidisciplinary team so important in treating obesity?

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease influenced by many factors. Because every patient's journey is different, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment.

That's why successful obesity care involves a multidisciplinary team working together to support you before, during, and after treatment.

Together, they help develop a personalised treatment plan, provide ongoing support, and guide you towards better long-term health outcomes.

Because treating obesity isn't just about surgery—it's about caring for the whole person.

Watch Dr Thinus explain why a multidisciplinary approach is one of the most important factors in achieving lasting success.

Have a question for Dr Thinus? We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message, and your question could be featured in our next Ask Dr Thinus video.



Disclaimer: This video is provided for educational purposes only and should not be regarded as medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for an individual assessment and personalised treatment recommendations.

06/08/2026

If you want more information on Perimenopause, Menopause, Muscle and metabolism, book your spot today. Nicola Drabble - Bariatric Dietitian South Africa will cover what every bariatric and GLP-1 woman needs to know to protect her health.

🌻FREE Women's Health Month Webinar 🌻

Perimenopause, Menopause, Muscle & Metabolism
What Every Bariatric & GLP-1 Woman Needs to Know to Protect Her Health

🌸Perimenopause changes your body.
🌸Menopause changes your body.
🌸Bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications change your body.

So what happens when they all overlap?

Menopause brings many changes to every woman's body, but if you've had bariatric surgery or you're using a GLP-1 medication, understanding how these changes affect your nutrition, muscle, metabolism and long-term health is even more important.

Join me for a FREE webinar:

Date: 18th August
Time: 7pm
Place: Online/ GoogleMeet

Continue getting the very best from your bariatric surgery or GLP-1 medication 💫

Register here to book your spot! https://www.nicoladrabble.co.za/menopause

04/08/2026

Book your spot for this FREE webinar.

🌻FREE Women's Health Month Webinar 🌻

Perimenopause, Menopause, Muscle & Metabolism
What Every Bariatric & GLP-1 Woman Needs to Know to Protect Her Health

🌸Perimenopause changes your body.
🌸Menopause changes your body.
🌸Bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications change your body.

So what happens when they all overlap?

Menopause brings many changes to every woman's body, but if you've had bariatric surgery or you're using a GLP-1 medication, understanding how these changes affect your nutrition, muscle, metabolism and long-term health is even more important.

Join me for a FREE webinar:

Date: 18th August
Time: 7pm
Place: Online/ GoogleMeet

Continue getting the very best from your bariatric surgery or GLP-1 medication 💫

Register here to book your spot! https://www.nicoladrabble.co.za/menopause

31/07/2026

Many people considering bariatric surgery are living with chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, heart disease, cholesterol or arthritis.

In fact, these conditions are often part of the reason patients are referred for bariatric surgery.

During your first consultation, Dr Thinus Smit and the multidisciplinary team will perform a comprehensive assessment of your medical history, current health, and treatment goals to determine whether bariatric surgery is the most appropriate option for you.

Every patient is unique, which is why your treatment plan is personalised to ensure the safest possible approach and the best long-term outcome.

The first step is simply having a conversation.

Do you have a question for Dr Thinus? We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message and your question could be featured in our next Ask Dr Thinus post.



Disclaimer: Educational information only. This post does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs and treatment options.

31/07/2026

Many people considering bariatric surgery are living with chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, heart disease, or arthritis.

In fact, these conditions are often part of the reason patients are referred for bariatric surgery.

During your first consultation, Dr Thinus Smit and the multidisciplinary team will perform a comprehensive assessment of your medical history, current health, and treatment goals to determine whether bariatric surgery is the most appropriate option for you.

Every patient is unique, which is why your treatment plan is personalised to ensure the safest possible approach and the best long-term outcome.

The first step is simply having a conversation.

Do you have a question for Dr Thinus? We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message and your question could be featured in our next Ask Dr Thinus post.



Disclaimer: Educational information only. This post does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs and treatment options.

29/07/2026

Your surgery is only the beginning of your journey.
Long-term success doesn't end when you leave the hospital.

Regular follow-up appointments allow your healthcare team @ to:
✔ Monitor your progress
✔ Check vitamin and mineral levels
✔ Review your nutrition
✔ Celebrate your milestones
✔ Support you through every stage of your journey

Because successful bariatric care is built on long-term partnership—not a single procedure.



Disclaimer: Educational information only. This post does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs and treatment options.

28/07/2026

Access to bariatric care is one of the reasons the Obesity Community Fund exists.

For many South Africans living with obesity, the biggest barrier isn't willingness to seek help—it's access to treatment.

Obesity is a chronic disease, yet access to evidence-based care, including bariatric surgery, remains out of reach for many people due to financial constraints, limited awareness, and ongoing stigma.

The Obesity Community Fund was established to help change that.
Through a community-driven model, members contribute towards creating opportunities for eligible patients to access life-changing bariatric surgery while also supporting education, advocacy, and awareness around obesity as a disease.
Every member, donor, and advocate plays a role in creating access—not only for today's patients, but for future generations.

Disclaimer: Educational information only. This post does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs and treatment options.

How does the Obesity Community Fund work?

OCF is a community model where members contribute, the fund raises support, and together we help create access to obesity care.

For members who apply for surgery, the pathway is structured and transparent:

Waiting list membership
Members apply, are screened, start monthly contributions, added to the membership list and may be included in fundraising once approved.
Pre-surgery list
Members begin medical preparation, appointments and tests while the clinical team assesses readiness for surgery.
Surgery list
Surgery is scheduled only when funding and medical readiness align.
Post-surgery list
Members continue follow-up care, remain part of the community, and are encouraged to help create access for future members.

OCF also offers support membership options for people who want to contribute to advocacy, education, awareness and the broader mission of reducing stigma around obesity as a disease.

Together, we make access possible.

Visit: www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za or email us at [email protected]

This information is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. A medical assessment is required for personalised care.