Access to affordable general practice care is critical to improving the health and wellbeing of patients and turning around rising rates of obesity in Australia, says the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP).
Australia's peak general practice body has used World Obesity Day to release a new position statement on obesity prevention and management, which calls for more government funding to address inequities in access to care.
RACGP President, Dr Michael Wright, said more government funding for longer GP consults and mental healthcare consults is essential in supporting people who are overweight or living with obesity across Australia.
"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," he 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.
"The RACGP is continuing to call for a 40 per cent increase to longer consults, and 25 per cent increase to mental health consults – this will halve out-of-pocket costs for those who need it. While the initiatives to boost the GP workforce in the Albanese Government's $8.5 billion Medicare package are laudable, the universal bulk billing proposal won't help people who need longer consults or mental healthcare from their GP.
"So, we're continuing our calls for all political parties to support increased funding for longer consults and mental health consults, because we know it will improve health and wellbeing – and this will reduce the number of people who end up in hospital due to the many chronic illnesses that are linked to obesity."
RACGP Obesity Management Specific Interest Group Chair, Dr Terri-Lynne South, said obesity is 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, and specialist GPs play a pivotal role in prevention and management," she said.
"We need to flip the script when it comes to public health messaging – it's about gaining health, not just losing weight. Obesity affects health and wellbeing in numerous ways, it has 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. I encourage anyone who wants to make a change, or support to take those first steps, to book an appointment with their GP."
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