Obesity affects around two-thirds of Australian adults, yet access to consistent, coordinated care can vary significantly across the country. Many people experience delays in treatment, uncertainty about where to seek help, or difficulty accessing multidisciplinary services.
The recent release of A National Model of Care for Obesity in Australia aims to address these challenges by providing a nationally coordinated framework for the assessment, treatment and long-term management of adults living with clinical obesity. I was pleased to contribute as a member of Evohealth’s expert advisory committee, working alongside clinicians and researchers to help develop this national framework.
Why Was the Model Developed?
Although national strategies for obesity already exist, Australia has not previously had a practical framework outlining how obesity care should be organised and delivered across the healthcare system.
The Model has been designed to support more coordinated, person-centred care while improving consistency, access and long-term support for adults living with clinical obesity. It is intended to complement existing clinical guidelines rather than replace them.
What Does the Model Recommend?
The report outlines a structured care pathway that supports people throughout every stage of their care.
Some of the key recommendations include:
- Better coordination between primary care, specialists, allied health professionals, pharmacists and community services.
- Individualised care planning based on a person’s health, goals and clinical needs.
- Ongoing monitoring and long-term follow-up to support sustainable health outcomes.
- Improved access to multidisciplinary obesity services across Australia.
- A person-centred approach that supports informed, shared decision-making throughout treatment.
Looking Beyond BMI
One of the report’s key messages is that obesity cannot be assessed by body weight or BMI alone.
Two people with the same BMI may have very different health risks, medical conditions and quality of life. The Model encourages healthcare professionals to consider the broader impact obesity has on an individual’s physical health, mental wellbeing and day-to-day function when assessing and planning care.
What Does This Mean for Patients?
The Model reinforces that there is no single treatment approach that is appropriate for everyone, and choosing a treatment without careful assessment of all options, and the ability to change approaches over someone’s lifetime, is important.
Depending on an individual’s clinical circumstances, treatment may include health behaviour change, pharmacotherapy, metabolic bariatric surgery, or a combination of these approaches as part of an individualised care plan. Decisions should be made collaboratively between patients and their healthcare team using the best available evidence.
Why Long-Term Care Matters
Obesity is recognised as a chronic disease that often requires ongoing management.
Rather than focusing only on initial treatment, the Model emphasises regular review, coordinated follow-up and continued support to help people maintain improvements in their health, function and quality of life over time.
Talking to Your Healthcare Team
If you have concerns about your weight or obesity-related health conditions, speaking with your GP is an important first step. Your GP can assess your individual circumstances, discuss appropriate management options and, where clinically indicated, provide a referral for specialist assessment.
Dr Alex Craven is a Consultant General, Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgeon who provides comprehensive assessment and management of obesity. During a consultation, he takes the time to understand each patient’s medical history, health goals and individual circumstances before discussing the evidence-based treatment options that may be appropriate. Depending on the patient’s needs, this may include lifestyle interventions, medication, metabolic surgery, or a combination of approaches as part of a personalised management plan.
Meeting with a metabolic bariatric surgeon does not mean surgery is the only option. Rather, it provides an opportunity to better understand all the available treatment pathways and make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare team.
For more information or to book with Dr Alex Craven, call (03) 9852 3777 or email hello@dralexcraven.com.au
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Everyone’s situation is different, and outcomes can vary. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before making decisions about your health.
The report was independently prepared by Evohealth with funding from Novo Nordisk.
Source:
Evohealth. A National Model of Care for Obesity in Australia. Canberra, ACT: Evohealth; May 2026.
