Intended for use by health professionals to support people living with overweight and obesity.
In 2010, the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Ageing commissioned the NHMRC to develop Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity for Adults, Adolescents and Children in Australia.
Intended for use by clinicians including general practitioners, primary health care nurses, primary health care professionals and allied health professionals, the Guidelines follow the primary care ‘5As’ framework: ask and assess, advise, assist, arrange. A range of health benefits are promoted in the guidelines including healthy eating plans, increased physical activity and behavioural modification to help patients manage obesity.
The Guidelines make recommendations regarding the management of individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25.0 kg/m2 and are at risk or currently have an obesity related comorbidity. NHMRC approval for guidelines last five years and all clinical practice guidelines are automatically rescinded after this date, unless an update is undertaken. Despite being rescinded, in the absence of updated information, these guidelines provide a good foundation for health professionals to support people living with overweight and obesity.
For further information on what Australians should eat to be healthy and prevent diet related diseases, refer to the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Eat for Health resources available at www.eatforhealth.gov.au.