HIV Prevention in Action: New Podcast Highlights the Intersection of Obesity, Stigma, and Youth Leadership for World Obesity Day 2026

In a powerful debut episode of the HIV Prevention in Action podcast, public health leaders are calling for a shift in how we address the dual challenges of HIV and obesity. Released in observance of World Obesity Day (March 4), the episode features Yvette Raphael, Executive Director of APHA, and a globally recognised advocate for women living with HIV, who shares her personal and professional insights on the rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within the HIV community.

The conversation, hosted by youth advocate Cwayita Jemsana, moves beyond the traditional "diet and discipline" narrative to explore the systemic, cultural, and medical complexities of obesity. Raphael identifies a critical gap in public health: the intersectional stigma where fear of "looking like someone with AIDS" can lead to internalising obesity as a sign of health, even as it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Key Highlights from the Episode Include:

• Addressing Intersectional Stigma: Raphael discusses the cultural pressures in South Africa where a "fuller figure" is often equated with health and prosperity, masking the underlying risks of obesity-related comorbidities.

• Youth-Led Solutions: The episode emphasises that obesity prevention must be "cool" and accessible. Raphael calls for young people to lead through urban gardening, organic farming, and advocating for "Front-of-Pack" labelling to hold corporations accountable for food transparency.

• Systemic Accountability: Public health experts highlighted the need for government intervention, such as South Africa's success in reducing salt in bread and taxing sugary drinks, noting that currently, sugary sodas remain cheaper than bottled water.

• The GLP-1 Access Gap: The discussion addresses the rise of weight-loss medications like Ozempic, urging for lower prices and better access for those with medical necessity rather than strictly cosmetic use.

Click here for the full HIV Prevention In Action Youtube Channel.