In an interview with Jacqui Lewis, called ‘Reframing Obesity’, Dr Alex Craven discusses obesity and metabolic health, noting that obesity is 50-70% genetically influenced, with environmental factors completing the picture. He explains that obesity varies widely, like cancer, and requires personalized approaches for effective treatment. With over 100 genes identified that play a role in obesity development, science has finally caught up with what patients have been saying for years.
Dr Craven critiques the traditional “eat less, move more” advice as an oversimplified goal rather than an actionable strategy. He describes how effective obesity treatments reduce the body’s “set point” weight, making sustainable lifestyle changes possible where they weren’t before. Bariatric surgery affects up to 23 beneficial hormonal signals, while newer medications target specific pathways.
He advocates for comprehensive care teams, including surgeons, dieticians, and psychologists, emphasizing the importance of lifelong follow-up. Dr Craven notes that Australia’s healthcare system largely neglects obesity despite its prevalence and impact on mortality. He calls for public hospitals to prioritize obesity treatment alongside other conditions and stresses that healthcare professionals need proper exposure to effective obesity management during their training.
Dr Craven observes that patients naturally become more active and make healthier food choices when their body’s biology is correctly addressed through effective treatment.
Highlights:
- Obesity is mainly genetic (50-70%), with over 100 identified genes influencing development, with environmental factors serving as triggers.
- Effective treatments work by reducing the body’s weight “set point,” not just by restricting calories or increasing exercise
- “Eat less, move more” should be viewed as a goal requiring proper medical support, not a strategy patients can implement alone
- Nutritional monitoring is essential with any substantial weight loss to prevent deficiencies, especially during rapid weight loss phases.
- Australia needs a multi-pronged healthcare approach to obesity treatment, with services available in all hospitals that treat related conditions.
