Barriers to obesity management in primary care: Financial and time constraints.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Obesity rates are rising in Australia, yet treatment remains underused. The aim of this study was to explore how Australian general practitioners (GPs) engage in obesity care, their management strategies, perceived barriers and enablers, and training needs.

METHOD: A national cross-sectional online survey was conducted between November 2023 and February 2024.

RESULTS

Among 943 GPs, 55.7% frequently discussed weight with patients, and 91.6% provided dietary and lifestyle advice. However, only 12.7% had formal obesity training. Key barriers included inadequate Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) remuneration for consultations, unaffordable obesity pharmacotherapy, insufficient MBS chronic disease management plans, competing health priorities, and time constraints. Enablers included increased MBS funding, access to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)-funded obesity pharmacotherapy, better access to public hospital services, and enhanced training.

DISCUSSION: Advocacy for policy changes to secure enhanced MBS and PBS funding is crucial to enable more comprehensive and equitable obesity care in primary care settings.