Canada Appoints Obese Chemical Engineer To Oversee Public Health

By Staff

OTTAWA, Can. — In June, Nancy Hamzawi was appointed as the President of the Public Health Agency of Canada. The appointment drew widespread public concern as Hamzawi is both obese and possesses no relevant education.

Prior to this appointment, Hamzawi served as Assistant Deputy Minister, Health Products and Food.

The Mayo Clinic defines obesity as "a chronic disease characterized by excessive fat deposits that can impair health. It occurs when you consume more calories than you burn through daily activities and exercise. Obesity increases the risk of various health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and can affect bone health and reproduction. It is a serious condition that affects both adults and children, and it is recognized as a significant public health concern."

The Public Health Agency website states, "Before joining the Health Portfolio ... Ms. Hamzawi served as ADM of Environment and Climate Change Canada's Science and Technology Branch, working to ensure the department is a national and world leader in advancing, connecting and applying scientific understanding of the environment to anticipate and address the most pressing environmental issues, most notably climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity conservation."

Hamzawi holds a Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering.