Introduction
Citizens' Charter for theRights of PeopleLiving with Obesity
In Belgium, a patient rights law has been in place since 2002. This law guarantees that every person who receives health care has multiple rights. This way we as patients know what to expect and the healthcare provider knows what is expected of them. This ensures a clear relationship between healthcare provider and patient. Good communication is a driver for quality care.
However, this is not the case for obesity despite having been classified as a metabolic disease since 1948. In 2022, the 20th anniversary of the Belgian Patient’s Rights Act was celebrated, yet it has had remarkably few revisions in those 20 years. In the meantime, the numbers of people living with the chronic disease of obesity have risen exponentially in Belgium. Likewise, the scientific understanding and potential solutions for early diagnosis and screening, treatment and long-term management have also substantially evolved.
Testimony after testimony as well as research now conducted by Pacte-Adiposité | Adipositas-Pact in partnership with VUB and KU Leuven clearly demonstrates that much more remains to be done.
Purpose of the Charter
- To achieve the best possible health and quality of life outcomes for adults living with obesity in Belgium who may or may not already be conscious health system users for this medical condition.
- To represent an aspirational ideal against which policies, system and practices are developed, monitored, delivered and evaluated.
- To view and see the laws, policies and practices around the Belgian Patient Rights laws through the lens of implementing for obesity health outcomes
Notes
- This Citizens’ Charter for the Rights of People Living with Obesity in Belgium is not a guarantee of these rights, nor is it legally binding.
- This is the current version of Citizens’ Charter for the Rights of People Living with Obesity in Belgium but as a living document, it is also subject to annual review, and a procedure for the Charter’s further evolution will be established.
- Please see the attached appendix to this document which lists the organisations who have ratified Citizens’ Charter for the Rights of People Living with Obesity in Belgium and given permission for their logos to appear on this document and any subsequent materials.
About the Organisation
PA-AP (Pacte Adiposité – Adipositas Pact) is a non-profit Private Foundation established under Belgian law, led by citizens of lived experience with obesity representing our rights towards access to healthcare.
Founded in February 2021, its main purpose is to convey the authoritative voice of citizens with respect to evidence-based approaches for obesity prevention, treatment, ongoing management along the life course through policy change, by facilitating knowledge exchange, citizen-led research and advocacy.
Acknowledgements
The Foundation for the Rights of Citizens with Obesity is a non-profit Private Foundation established under Belgian law, led by citizens of lived experience with obesity representing our rights towards access to healthcare.
This project has been driven by and for us in collaboration with VUB and KU Leuven as Research Partners.
We would also like to acknowledge the financial support and contribution of expertise as part of the multi-stakeholder focus groups from Novo Nordisk Belgium, J&J Belgium and Third-i bvba in the realisation of all elements to this initiative.
Research Partners
Dissemination Partners
