Created in February 2007, the Coalition against Morbid Obesity is a non-profit, Québec-based organization that draws on the strength of unity to increase awareness of the issue of morbid obesity and to foster better access to bariatric surgery in Québec.

The Coalition against Morbid Obesity strives to inform and increase public awareness in Québec of:

• The problem of morbid obesity and its consequences for morbidly obese people and their loved ones, as well as for society as a whole;
  
• bariatric surgery, which is recognized as the only effective treatment for morbid obesity;
  
• the socio-economic costs incurred by morbid obesity and the effectiveness of bariatric surgery, specifically with regard to potential savings for our healthcare system.
  

Founding members

The two founding members of the Coalition against Morbid Obesity, specifically Josée Roy and Jennifer Schultz, both underwent bariatric surgery, and are both in a position to proclaim its benefits and emphasize the need to reduce waiting lists.

"I underwent bariatric surgery in 2002. The operation completely changed my life! Since then, I have been committed to helping people who are suffering from this little-known disease which is, unfortunately, the target of many prejudices. I believe that it is now time to grant access to the procedure that more than 300,000 Quebecers must undergo if they hope to overcome their condition."

"I underwent surgery in 2004. Because of it, my chances of watching my child and future grandchildren grow up have increased. Morbid obesity not only reduces quality of life, but also diminishes life expectancy. The only effective treatment is bariatric surgery. Why don't we have access, like heart patients or diabetics, to the treatment that is necessary for our survival? A few hundred bariatric surgeries per year: It's simply not enough!"