Aims:Obesity is a prevalent chronic illness with high morbidity. Despite its prevalence, there are limited real-world insights on how people with obesity (PwO) are treated and managed. This study sought to understand obesity management in Australia.
Methods:A retrospective, multi-centre, web-based chart review was conducted with 27 Australian primary and specialist healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in management of PwO in public and private clinics. HCPs provided deidentified, patient-level data for up to 5 PwO (Body Mass Index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) with high cardiometabolic risk. Eligible patients first presented between 01 January 2022 - 31 December 2022, and attended for treatment on ≥3 occasions. Patient background and obesity treatment delivered as first, second and third line of therapy were collected.
Results:Data from 132 PwO were collected. Average age was 45.4 years (SD=12.2) and 54% were female. Mean BMI was 40.3 kg/m2 (SD=7.7) and 45% of patients had a BMI ≥40 kg/m2. Obesity-related conditions were prevalent, with 60% reporting hypertension, 58% dyslipidaemia, and 39% type 2 diabetes. More than 3 obesity-related conditions were reported for 75% of patients with a BMI ≥40 kg/m2. Non-pharmacological intervention was received by 98% of PwO as first line treatment, 57% as second line and 34% as third line. Pharmacological intervention was received by 43% of PwO as first line treatment, 66% as second line and 55% as third line. Surgical intervention was received by 5% of PwO as first line treatment, 11% as second line and 34% as third line.
Conclusions:Australians with high cardiometabolic risk managed in obesity clinics had a very high BMI and multiple obesity-related conditions. Non-pharmacological intervention was prioritised as first line therapy, despite the high BMI and prevalence of obesity-related conditions in this cohort. There is a need for early, evidence-based, highly effective therapy to address the immense burden of obesity in Australia.