In this episode of Both Sides, Randall Abrahams sits down with Dr. Donald Fick, a general practitioner and medical consultant, for a candid and thought-provoking conversation on obesity.
Why it’s more than just diet and exercise, how it's medically classified as a chronic disease, and what that means for patients, society, and the future of healthcare.
Dr. Fick unpacks how our understanding of obesity is evolving, explaining why "eat less, move more" is an outdated approach and how new medications like semaglutide (known by names like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro) are changing the treatment landscape.
He also speaks openly about the psychological toll of obesity, the societal stigma attached to weight, and why obesity disproportionately affects South African women.
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From childhood obesity and the cultural perceptions of body size in South Africa, to the ethics and dangers of counterfeit weight-loss drugs, Dr. Fick offers an informed and deeply human perspective on a complex issue affecting millions.
He also breaks down how these new GLP-1 medications work, the risks involved, and why they’re not a quick fix, but a possible game changer in long-term, medically managed weight loss.
This episode challenges long-held assumptions, explores the intersection of health, culture, and capitalism, and offers new insight into one of the biggest public health challenges of our time.