I treat obesity as the disease it is

I am Dr Nomathemba Chandiwana, one of Africa's leading academic voices in obesity medicine. I trained as a medical doctor at the University of the Witwatersrand after completing a BSc in behavioural neuroscience at Northeastern University in Boston. I also hold a Master of Public Health, a Diploma in Child Health, and a Higher Diploma in Sexual Health and HIV Medicine. I am completing a PhD in public and population health at Wits.

I am Chief Scientific Officer of the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation in Cape Town. I lead programmes that bring obesity, HIV, and chronic disease care together in public health systems. This work received a 2025 United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force Award on NCDs. I also serve on the Nature Medicine Commission on Data-Driven Management of Obesity and the IFSO/World Obesity Federation Global Obesity Guidelines Task Force.

Before this, I was Director and Principal Scientist at Ezintsha. I led and co-led major clinical trials, including the ADVANCE trial, which changed how HIV treatment is prescribed around the world. This work also showed important changes in weight and metabolic health after modern HIV treatment, especially among African women.

Today, I treat obesity directly. I assess metabolic health, prescribe and monitor medicines such as GLP-1 treatments when suitable, and help each patient build a long-term care plan. I also write and speak about fair access to obesity care in Africa.

I see patients in person or by secure video, Monday to Thursday, in focused 30-minute appointments.