Hundreds of thousands of obese
Photo: Lars Pehrson/SvD/TT

Hundreds of thousands of obese people in Sweden are not receiving care

Obesity is one of Sweden's biggest public health problems, but most patients do not receive any treatment. "Obesity is a chronic disease that is still not taken seriously enough in health care," says Björn Eriksson, director-general of the National Board of Health and Welfare.

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In its first national evaluation of Swedish obesity care, the authority concludes that the condition is both underdiagnosed and undertreated. Few people receive treatment with medication, surgery or lifestyle support.

"Many patients seek care for a long time without the disease being recognized or treated. This means that people risk getting sicker unnecessarily," says unit manager Maria State in a press release.

The regions need to offer treatment earlier and to more people, and primary and specialist care must strengthen cooperation and ensure long-term follow-up, according to the National Board of Health and Welfare.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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