Weight management & obesity prevention

Welcome to PD’s weekly comment feature. This week’s contribution is from Sonja Bella, Director, Australian College of Weight Management.

THE last study on Obesity in Australia was the National Health Survey which identified the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from 56.3% in 1995 to 61.2% in 2007–2008 to 62.8% in 2011–2012. Whilst no official study has been done since 2012, most health experts agree that the obesity epidemic is continuing to worsen. There is growing research to support the necessity of multi-disciplinary approaches to weight management with behavioural changes being identified as a missing link in many programs (which generally focus only on diet and/or exercise). The question, then, is how can we maximise current health structures to incorporate a holistic approach to weight management?

I believe pharmacies are well placed to provide the perfect environment for holistic weight management services; the community already identifies with pharmacies as being reputable when providing health services and often, pharmacies are the first port of call for someone when they are considering going on a weight loss program or just wanting some general weight loss advice. Implementing a weight management program, or clinic, which also addresses behavioural changes could be a game changer in the pharmacy industry and one that could make a significant impact in helping turn around the obesity epidemic.