Marking 10 years of partnership and care
05 Sep 2025
As RACGP Specific Interests in Obesity Management turns 10, obesity care in general practice is at a pivotal stage.
Obesity is grabbing attention like never before, with new treatments offering hope for life-changing improvements. Patients are increasingly asking their GPs about weight-loss medications, and nearly half of GPs report being asked about them every day.
This year, the World Health Organization highlighted obesity as a critical global health issue on Obesity Day 2025, calling for urgent action. In Australia, the RACGP Specific Interests Obesity Management group celebrates its 10-year anniversary, showing how general practitioners are stepping up to meet this growing challenge. (newsGP)
How the Group Started
In 2015, Dr Georgia Rigas, a GP passionate about obesity care, felt professionally isolated and wanted to connect with like-minded colleagues. She envisioned a group where GPs could share ideas, discuss challenging cases, and keep up with new guidelines.
With support from at least 10 GP Fellows across multiple states, the group officially launched its first virtual meeting on 11 March 2015, coinciding with World Obesity Day. Word of mouth and official RACGP support helped the group grow rapidly.
Key Achievements
Over the past decade, the group has made significant contributions:
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Australian Obesity Algorithm for GPs: First released in 2022 and updated in 2024, providing practical guidance for managing obesity.
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RACGP Recognition of Extended Skills program: Supporting GPs with advanced training in obesity care.
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RACGP Position Statement on Obesity Management: First published in 2019, updated in 2025, recommending that obesity medications be subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS).
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Guideline contributions: Updates to the RACGP Diabetes Handbook and the Red Book now include dedicated chapters on obesity, recognizing it as a chronic health condition.
Popular medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic have shown strong results but are not yet PBS-listed, limiting access for some patients, especially those in lower socioeconomic groups.
On the Frontlines
Members of the group provide education and support through national roadshows, webinars, and fly-in/fly-out clinics, including rural and remote areas, ensuring equitable access to care. They have also influenced national and international obesity policies and hosted community events like the Walk for Health at GP conferences.
Looking Ahead
Current Chair Dr Terri-Lynne South, a GP and dietitian, emphasizes that obesity is a chronic clinical condition that requires evidence-based care. With rising prevalence and more treatment options, the group’s work has never been more relevant.
“Our mission remains clear: better education, better access, and better outcomes for patients,” Dr South says. “While the work isn’t done, the group’s impact over the past 10 years is undeniable.”
Source: RACGP Specific Interests Obesity Management group, newsGP, 2025
