The Australian government has launched a new National Obesity Strategy — a 10-year plan to prevent and reduce obesity in the country.
Obesity is a very common condition in Australia. In fact, studies suggest that one in three adults are affected. The condition has many contributing factors, and although it has some serious health implications, there is good news that it can be effectively treated. The Australian government recently launched a new National Obesity Strategy. The 10-year plan has been designed to prevent and reduce obesity in Australia — read on to find out what it entails.
What is the National Obesity Strategy?
In March this year, the Australian government launched its National Obesity Strategy. It is a 10-year plan specially designed to prevent and reduce obesity in Australia. Some strong feedback from the community drove the government to recognize the benefits of treatment rather than focusing only on ways in which the condition can be prevented.
How will obesity treatment be advanced?
As part of the National Obesity Strategy, the government agreed that there needs to be a shift in the health system so that equitable access to medical and surgical obesity treatments are provided. According to the plan, the most effective long-term treatment for adults with obesity is currently bariatric surgery. Interestingly, over 90 percent of all bariatric surgeries in Australia are currently performed in the private system.
The plan calls for funding to update the 2013 National Health and Medical Research Council’s clinical practice guideline and to secure funding to ensure that those with severe obesity have access to specialist obesity management services that provide the full range of treatment options — this includes bariatric and metabolic surgery in the public system.
How does bariatric surgery help?
Bariatric surgery is currently considered the most effective long-term treatment for obesity. It can also go a long way towards reducing some of the health implications of excess weight. For example, obesity increases one’s risk of developing type two diabetes and its associated complications. Clinical evidence supports bariatric surgery with medical management as an effective treatment for achieving sustained weight loss and remission of type two diabetes.
Sleep duration and sleep quality are also linked to obesity — both reduced sleep duration and quality have been shown to increase sleep disturbances. For this reason, weight loss may help improve sleep quality and reduce some of the symptoms of conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea.
Another health issue that has been linked to obesity is osteoarthritis. Excess weight can increase the risk of mechanical wear and tear and systemic inflammation. Bariatric surgery and the weight loss it induces can help alleviate these symptoms. Weight loss can also help patients achieve better outcomes after joint surgery.
How can we help?
Dr. Stephen Watson is committed to helping his patients enjoy a healthy and sustainable weight loss journey. He is an expert in the field and works with a team of other weight loss specialists to deliver long-term results with a combination of surgery, a personalised diet and exercise plan, as well as ongoing psychological support.
If you have been struggling with your weight and are concerned about your health, we encourage you to come in for a consultation. Dr. Watson offers a number of weight loss procedures and will work with you to decide which surgery is most appropriate for you. The procedures that he offers include the Allurion Balloon Programme, SASI-S, SADI-S, gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery, gastric banding, and revisional weight loss surgery.
For more information about the range of bariatric procedures that Dr. Watson offers, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation with Dr. Watson, please get in touch here or give us a call at (08) 6311 7578. We look forward to welcoming you and guiding you through your weight loss journey.
