Obesity is a complex, chronic disease affecting nearly 800 million people worldwide, yet misconceptions and stigma persist.
This World Obesity Day (4 March 2026), Gold Coast Health Obesity Nurse Navigator Geraldine Jensen hopes the conversation will shift toward understanding and support.
Geraldine is one of two Obesity Nurse Navigators - a role introduced at Gold Coast University Hospital in 2019 as the first of its kind in Queensland.
With more than 40 years of nursing experience across New Zealand and Australia, she brings a deep understanding of clinical care as well as personal lived experience.
“Obesity is very stigmatised, and people can be frightened to have those conversations,” Geraldine said.
From her experience, many people delay raising concerns about their weight due to fear of judgment.
“I always encourage people to take that first step and speak to their doctor,” she said.
Obesity is influenced by a wide range of interlinked factors, including:
- Biology
- Mental health
- Genetic risk
- Environmental factors
- Healthcare access
The theme for World Obesity Day this year focuses on creating healthy workplaces, shifting responsibility away from individuals and toward environments that better support health and wellbeing.
Geraldine said this message is particularly relevant for the healthcare workforce.
“Anyone who does shift work knows how difficult it can be,” she said.
“Healthy choices are usually available during the day, but at night there are fewer options.
“Sleep is also a really tricky thing for shift workers, and that can impact weight too.”
She emphasises that weight stigma can be harmful and reinforces the false belief that obesity is solely a personal failing, encouraging more understanding and compassion when it comes to the disease.
In her Nurse Navigator role, no two days look the same.
Geraldine supports patients with diverse, complex needs, helping them navigate services, treatments, and long-term lifestyle changes.
“Journey is the operative word for navigators, so whatever we can do to help people connect to the correct support for them is what we’re here for,” she said.
“Obesity isn’t something solved with one tool. It’s not just ‘eat less, move more’ - it’s about a holistic, individualised approach.”
This World Obesity Day, take the opportunity to check in with friends and family, support those around you, or have an important conversation you may have been putting off with your GP.
