WORLD Obesity Day (WOD) takes place today, with this year's theme shining a spotlight on the systems that shape our health: 'Changing systems. Healthier lives'.
"For too long, responses to the obesity crisis have been focused on individuals," said the World Obesity Day Global Advisory Group.
"It's time we turn our attention to the systems that are failing us - health systems, government systems, food systems, the media, and the environments we work and live in," they said, pointing out that all these systems are contributing to the increasing rates of obesity around the world.
"We must also recognise obesity as a complex, and chronic disease, and one that is also a driver of other diseases."
According to the group, "taking action on obesity is a critical step in reducing the global burden of other chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease and cancer".
Community pharmacies are increasingly becoming centres for weight management, with pharmacists and pharmacy staff undergoing specialised training and introducing tailored programs to address overweight and obesity.
Management of overweight and obesity has been flagged for inclusion in pharmacist full scope of practice: it is currently part of the scope of practice pilot in Queensland, and planned for ACT, NSW, NT and Tasmania.
Meanwhile, the RACGP has called for greater access to affordable general practice, saying more government funding for longer GP appointments and mental healthcare consults are essential to support people who are overweight or living with obesity. KB
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