The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is calling for subsidies on proven obesity medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to address health inequities and reduce the burden of chronic disease.
The call follows the release of the RACGP new position statement on obesity prevention and management, which advocates for a shift in focus from weight loss to overall health improvement.
RACGP Specific Interest Obesity Management Chair Dr Terri-Lynne South says while a PBS subsidy will help reduce obesity for some patients, the health system must support all patients to gain health and maintain it.
Dr South highlights the potential of semaglutide-based medications in reducing obesity-related chronic conditions.
“There is a growing body of evidence that semaglutide medicines are effective way for patients to reduce their risk of developing complex and chronic conditions that are linked to overweight and obesity,” she says.
Lifestyle changes
Obesity is said to affect 32% of Australian adults, contributing to $12 billion annually in direct and indirect healthcare costs.
This burden is said to be disproportionately higher in rural and lower socioeconomic areas, where access to effective treatment remains limited.
“Manufacturers have drawn exceptional profits from these medications,” says Dr South.
“Now they must invest in reducing costs for patients. PBS spending is an investment in health, with competing calls for funding, so any spending must be efficient.”
While semaglutide and GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown effectiveness, Dr South cautioned that they are not suitable for all patients and work best alongside lifestyle changes.
“PBS-subsidised medications could make a big, difference, but patients also need policy changes to help them to stay healthy,” she says.
“That means funding to spend the time they need with their specialist GP, and better access to health professionals like dietitians, especially via their general practice.”
Multidisciplinary care
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright calls for broader reforms to improve access to GP-led multidisciplinary care, including:
- Doubling funding for practices to employ dietitians, pharmacists, and diabetes educators;
- A 40% increase to Medicare rebates for longer GP consultations;
- Continued investment in lifestyle intervention programs like RACGP’s Healthy Habits.
“We need a health system that supports people to gain and maintain health,” says Dr Wright.
“The best way to achieve that is with a specialist GP who knows you, your medical history, what you have tried and what you have found works for you.”
