Obesity--recommendations for management in general practice and beyond.

BACKGROUND

It is well recognised that Australia has one of the highest prevalences of overweight and obesity in the developed world, and that this is the greatest contributing factor, along with ageing, to the chronic disease burden in our society. Predictions are confronting; close to 80% of Australian adults are predicted by be obese by the year 2025. The determinants of obesity are multifactorial and are influenced by early life environments as well as genetics. Prevention is failing due to many factors including a poor understanding of these determinants as well as reluctance to act at a government/community level.

OBJECTIVE

This article aims to provide a practical approach to weight management in general practice with a focus on some of the more intensive interventions beyond the first line lifestyle modification advice.

DISCUSSION

General practitioners are often well placed to identify overweight and obesity. Patient engagement in management is critical, as for any chronic disease. Treatment needs to be evidence based and focused on a broad range of health outcomes, not simply on weight. Intensive interventions to potentiate weight loss may involve use of very low energy diets, pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. Referral to specialist weight assessment and management clinics, where available may be appropriate, particularly for complex cases with more severe comorbidity.