Dietitians Australia has issued a national call to action, urging the Australian Government to ensure that individuals prescribed weight loss drugs also receive access to professional dietary support. This announcement was made today at the Australian Parliament House, highlighting concerns over the expanding use of GLP-1RA medicines beyond their traditional role in diabetes management.
The organization is advocating for a comprehensive approach to weight loss treatment, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in conjunction with medication. “We must not overlook the importance of nutrition when it comes to the safe use of these medicines,” stated Dr. Fiona Willer, President of Dietitians Australia. “We cannot continue to risk handing out prescriptions for these medications, without adequate wraparound care for people, including personalized medical nutrition therapy from a dietitian before, during, and following the use of the medicine.”
The Role of Dietitians in Weight Loss Treatment
Dr. Willer further explained the critical role dietitians play in managing the side effects of GLP-1RA medicines, which significantly alter appetite. This alteration makes it challenging for patients to maintain adequate nutrition. “Eating well is critical, absorbing adequate nutrition from food is critical, even when taking a medicine that suppresses one’s appetite,” she said, warning of the risks of malnutrition, muscle and bone mass loss, and potential development of disordered eating patterns without proper dietary guidance.
Magriet Raxworthy, CEO of Dietitians Australia, highlighted the financial barriers many Australians face in accessing dietetic care due to current Medicare funding limitations. “Our current Medicare funding limitations often leave people in gridlock, left without affordable access to the nutrition guidance and counselling they need from a dietitian,” she noted.
Global Trends and National Implications
This plea from Dietitians Australia comes amid a global trend where individuals with higher body weight and multiple co-morbidities are increasingly receiving government-funded access to weight loss medications. Raxworthy emphasized the need for the Australian Government to follow suit responsibly, ensuring that any investment in pharmacotherapy is coupled with funded dietetic care for sustainable health outcomes.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 66% of Australian adults are now living with overweight and obesity, with obesity listed as the leading risk factor for the burden of disease in the country.
Dr. Terri-Lynne South, Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Obesity Management Specific Interest Group, reinforced the complexity of obesity as a health issue. “Obesity is a complex health issue that requires comprehensive solutions – it is not just about losing weight, it is about gaining health,” she said, underscoring the critical role of dietitians in maximizing health benefits and minimizing medication side effects.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Comprehensive Health Strategies
The call from Dietitians Australia is not just about immediate changes but also about laying the groundwork for long-term health strategies. Dr. Willer concluded with a strong message to the government: “Any further Government investment in pharmacotherapy, with potential for uptake from such a significant proportion of the population, must be undertaken with extreme care and consideration.”
As the Australian Government considers its next steps in addressing obesity and weight management, the integration of dietetic care with pharmacological treatments could be a pivotal move in ensuring effective and sustainable health outcomes for Australians.
