What’s New : The RACGP’s position statement on obesity prevention and management

Originally recorded:

5 March 2025

This webinar covers the key aspects of obesity prevention and management, focusing on the updated RACGP Position Statement. It highlights the role of general practitioners (GPs) in addressing obesity as a chronic disease, incorporating evidence-based strategies, and promoting patient-centred care. It also explores effective prevention strategies, addressing stigma and bias, and advocating for environmental and policy changes. Additionally, it examines challenges GPs face in managing obesity and provides practical solutions to improve patient outcomes, while emphasizing the importance of creating supportive, non-judgemental care environments.

Learning outcomes

Identify and comprehend the key messages outlined in the updated RACGP Position Statement on obesity prevention and management, with a focus on the latest evidence, best practices, and recommendations for general practitioners.
Outline the role of general practitioners in obesity prevention and management, within the broader context of their professional scope of practice, including effective strategies for integrating obesity care into routine clinical settings.

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Speakers

Dr Terri-Lynne South
Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Obesity Management

With over 25 years of experience as a healthcare practitioner, both as a GP and accredited practising dietitian, Terri-Lynne has always had a special interest in health conditions associated with excess weight. She believes obesity is a chronic complex medical condition and should be treated as such. Terri-Lynne understands excess body weight has many causes, contributors, influences, impacts, risk factors, complications, and management options. From 2021, Terri-Lynne moved to a full-time focus on obesity and metabolic health, which grants her the time and commitment to further her life-long passion.

Dr Georgia Rigas
Obesity Doctor, Senior Bariatric Medical Practioner and founding Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Obesity Management.

Dr Rigas is a General Practitioner who has been working in obesity management for almost 15 years. She was the first Australian GP to be recognised by the Surgical Review Corporation, as a Bariatric Care Specialist. Dr Rigas is the Senior Bariatric Medical Practitioner at St George Private Hospital, the first internationally accredited Bariatric Centre of Excellence in Australia. Her particular sub-interest is the multi-generational effects of obesity. Dr Rigas is committed to ongoing education in obesity/metabolic health and advocates for equitable access to effective treatments for people living with obesity. She is also on several medical advisory and scientific committees on issues of obesity, both nationally and internationally.

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