The fight against obesity needs to be focussed on gaining health, not losing weight, according to Australia’s doctors.
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP), Australia’s peak general practice body, has released the new position statement on obesity prevention and management and is calling for better access to affordable care.
RACGP Obesity Management Specific Interest Group Chair Terri-Lynne South said obesity was a serious health issue with multiple causes that need to be addressed.
“With 32 per cent of adults living with obesity in Australia, it is one of our most important health issues,” Dr South said.
“We need to flip the script when it comes to public health messaging – it’s about gaining health, not just losing weight,” she said.
Dr South said obesity affected health and wellbeing in numerous ways, having links to many chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and many cancers, as well as mental health issues.
“The evidence on obesity has advanced significantly. We now know the causes are multiple and complex, including genetics, early life experiences, changes in the gut microbiome, stress, and disordered sleep, as well as the environment around us, the impact of junk food advertising and food choices available.
“There are also many more effective therapeutic treatments, which can be used together with lifestyle changes, to support people to improve their health and wellbeing.”
RACGP President Michael Wright said more government funding for longer GP consults and mental healthcare consults was essential in supporting people who were overweight or living with obesity.
“Access to affordable, ongoing care from a GP who knows you and your history, and evidence-based management services and therapies, can change lives, and save lives, for those who are overweight or living with obesity,” Dr Wright said.
“Nearly a third of Australia’s adult population is living with obesity, and it’s predicted to cost taxpayers and governments $87.7 billion annually by 2032. This is why it is essential that everyone in Australia has access to affordable general practice care, including for longer consults and GP mental health consults, which we know many people living with obesity may need.”
