Adult obesity management in Australia: How can we bridge the gap between guidelines and current general practice?

Abstract

Background and objectives: Obesity is still recognised as a risk factor rather than a chronic disease in Australia. General practitioners (GPs) have reported a lack of confidence and support in the management of obesity. In this study, we explored GPs' current definitions and treatment of obesity and their attitudes towards proposed clinician educational and billing strategies.

Method: In this cross-sectional study, an online survey was distributed to GPs across Australia.

Results: Of the 189 GPs who completed the survey, 82% defined obesity, with and/or without comorbidities, as a chronic disease. There is a significant gap between current practice and clinical guidelines, particularly in screening and prevention. The overall attitude towards proposed solutions was very positive. Descriptive analysis was used to present the characteristics of the participants. Chi-squared tests or Fisher's exact test were used to evaluate the relationship between categorical variables.

Discussion: Australia's outdated definition of obesity likely hinders management and contributes to the observed gap between clinical guidelines and current practice. Clinician education on behaviour change and long-term weight management, funding for more enhanced primary care referrals and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing of pharmacotherapy for weight loss might be possible solutions.