Speak to your GP about Obesity | The Science of Obesity

SPEAK
TO YOUR GP

If you have had enough of battling obesity on your own, now is the time to start a conversation with your doctor about the treatment options suitable for you.

It’s time to prioritise your health and take control of your obesity.

Would you try to treat any other chronic disease
without medical help?

88% of doctors surveyed across 11 countries agree that obesity is a chronic disease.¹
The causes of obesity vary from person to person and so skilled medical treatment is needed.²

88%

of doctors surveyed agree that
obesity is a chronic disease.¹

YOUR DOCTOR IS THERE TO HELP

In an international survey, 95% of GPs believed they could help their patients to lose weight, so it is sensible to take advantage of their knowledge and willingness.¹

Your GP can help you understand the complexities of obesity and provide information about which treatment options are best for you. They can show you how weight loss can improve your health and refer you to other professionals if needed.³ 87% of doctors agree that treating obesity should involve a team of other medical professionals.¹

Don’t struggle alone

People struggling with obesity are often reluctant to discuss it with a doctor.¹

In a recent global survey, more than 8/10 people thought losing weight was solely their responsibility. In contrast, 8/10 doctors agreed that they are responsible for helping their patients to lose weight.¹

Discussing weight management with your doctor could reduce the impact on your health. Consider all the benefits and don’t wait to start a conversation with your GP.

Start the conversation

Let your doctor know that you are ready to discuss your options.

Research has shown that some GPs are worried that they will embarrass patients if they bring up weight.⁴

It is important to work with your GP to select treatments that are right for you. This may also help you improve your lifestyle and manage the medical conditions related to your obesity. Together, you may also help prevent new problems from developing.¹

In a recent global survey, 8/10 doctors agreed that they
are responsible for helping their patients to lose weight.¹

“MY GP UNDERSTOOD
THAT THIS WAS THE
BEST OPTION FOR ME”

Justin’s Story

“OBESITY IS A DISEASE.
MY GP HELPED ME.”

Carol’s story

“IT WAS TIME TO SEE
OBESITY DIFFERENTLY.”

Rachel & Darren’s story

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

A conversation with your doctor takes you one step closer to success

NAVIGATION

UNDERSTANDING OBESITY

Discover the real science of obesity Understand the science

THE RISKS OF OBESITY

How obesity can impact you What are the risks?

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Science based treatments and outcomes What are the options?

REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES

Hear from those who have treated their obesity successfully See real stories

Here’s the science:

Caterson I, et al. Gaps to bridge: Misalignment between perception, reality and actions in obesity, Diabetes Obes Metab 2019; 21(8): 1914–24.
Action to prevent obesity and reduce its impact across the life course – Evidence Review. 2018. Available at https://www.racp.edu.au/docs/default-source/advocacy-library/racp-obesity-position-statement.pdf. Accessed December 2019
RACGP Smoking, nutrition, alcohol, physical activity (SNAP): A population health guide to behavioural risk factors in general practice, 2nd edition. Melbourne: Available at https://www.racgp.org.au/FSDEDEV/media/documents/Clinical%20Resources/Guidelines/SNAP-guideline.pdf. Accessed December 2019.
Brett E.Obesity Treatment: We’ve Only Just Begun. Endocrine Prac 2018; 24(5): 492–4.

Widely recognised as a chronic disease with severe health and quality of life consequences, obesity is greatly under diagnosed and under treated.^1-4

Misinformation, discrimination and stigma surround all aspects of obesity.⁵

This site will give you the information and tools to help you tackle this complex disease. Using real science, for real change.

START BY SPEAKING TO YOUR GP

And begin by making a weight-management plan that’s right for you.

1. Bray G, et al. Obesity: a chronic relapsing progressive disease process. A position statement of the World Obesity Federation, Obesity Rev 2017; 18(7); 715–23.

2. Caterson I, et al. Gaps to bridge: Misalignment between perception, reality and actions in obesity, Diabetes Obes Metab 2019; 21(8): 1914–24.

3. Golden A, et al. Insights and perceptions of obesity management in people with obesity: results of the national ACTION study. Presented at Obesity Week; 31 Oct–4 Nov 2015: New Orleans, USA.

4. Oldham M, Robinson E. Visual body size norms and the under-detection of overweight and obesity. Obes Sci Pract 2017; 4(1): 29–40.

5. RACGP. Obesity prevention and management position statement 2019.

SPEAK TO YOUR GP

Would you try to treat any other chronic disease without medical help?