A synthesis of selected national Australian guidelines on the general practice management of adult patients who are overweight or obese.

BACKGROUND

A general practitioner's (GP's) daily workload includes an ever-increasing number of patients who are overweight and obese. A number of Australian guidelines are aimed at assisting GPs who are managing this group of adult patients.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article is to synthesise selected national Australian guidelines for GPs in the management of adults who are overweight or obese.

METHODS

Relevant national guidelines were chosen and reviewed by three GPs. The recommendations were amalgamated and any discrepancies were discussed within the research team.

RESULTS

We presented a synthesis of the guidelines under headings that will assist GPs in a structured approach to managing patients who are overweight and obese.

DISCUSSION: This synthesis forms the basis for developing a practical toolkit to assist GPs in managing adult patients who are overweight and obese.