Google AI


Modern Australian

Should GPs bring up a patient’s weight in consultations about other matters? We asked 5 experts

  • Written by: Fron Jackson-Webb, Deputy Editor and Senior Health Editor
Should GPs bring up a patient’s weight in consultations about other matters? We asked 5 experts

Australian of the Year and body positivity advocate Taryn Brumfitt has called for doctors to avoid discussing a patient’s weight when they seek care for unrelated matters.

A 15-minute consultation isn’t long enough to provide support to change behaviours, Brumfitt says, and GPs don’t have enough training and expertise to have these complex discussions.

“Many people in larger bodies tell us they have gone to the doctor with something like a sore knee, and come out with a ‘prescription’ for a very restrictive diet, and no ongoing support,” Brumfitt told the Nine newspapers.

By raising the issue of weight, Brumfitt says, GPs also risk turning patients off seeking care for other health concerns.

So should GPs bring up a patient’s weight in consultations about other matters? We asked 5 experts.

Here are their detailed responses: Disclosure statements: Brett Montgomery is a general practitioner. He does not have a specific interest in obesity, but like almost all GPs, he treats many patients who are overweight or obese. He is a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners; the college’s position statement on obesity prevention and management is linked to from this article. However, Brett writes here as an individual, and not on behalf of any organisation; Emma Beckett has received funding for research or consulting from Mars Foods, NHMRC, ARC, AMP Foundation, Kellogg, and the University of Newcastle. She works for Nutrition Research Australia and member of committees/working groups related to nutrition or the Australian Academy of Science, the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Nutrition Society of Australia. Emma has lived experience of GPs bringing up her weight; Liz Sturgiss receives funding from NHMRC, RACGP Foundation, National Centre for Healthy Ageing, Victorian Health Promotion Foundation. She is an appointed committee member of the Guidelines Development Committee for the review and update of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, Adolescents and Children in Australia and is the co-founder of the RACGP Specific Interest Group in Poverty; Nick Fuller works for the University of Sydney and has received external funding for projects relating to the treatment of overweight and obesity. He is the author and founder of the Interval Weight Loss program; Helen Truby has received funding from the NHMRC, the MRFF, the Commonwealth Department of Health, Health and Wellbeing Qld, Clinical Therapy Research in the Specialist Health Services (KLINBEFORSK, Norway), the Andrea Joy Logan Trust, the Victorian Cancer Agency Health Services Scheme. Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include Helen Truby’s final sentence, which was erroneously cut off during layout.

Authors: Fron Jackson-Webb, Deputy Editor and Senior Health Editor

Read more https://theconversation.com/should-gps-bring-up-a-patients-weight-in-consultations-about-other-matters-we-asked-5-experts-209681

Better Business Photos Without Misleading Customers: An Australian Guide

A timber dining set looks inviting against a sunny deck, with cushions, lanterns and enough chairs for the whole family. But imagine the retailer sell...

Understanding a dental implant Melbourne Treatment Plan

A dental implant Melbourne patients may consider is one option for replacing a missing tooth, but suitability depends on oral health, bone support a...

How 3PL Logistics Australia Supports Faster and More Efficient Supply Chains

Why Has 3PL Logistics Become Important for Growing Businesses?  Gone are the days when supply chains were simpler and in minimal quantity. Now, the...

Common Skin Concerns and Treatment Options Available in Melbourne

Skin concerns can develop gradually or become noticeable following changes in age, lifestyle, sun exposure or hormonal factors. Pigmentation, rednes...

Why a Code-Compliant Home Can Still Feel Uncomfortable

When people build or renovate a home, they usually expect that meeting current building requirements will also produce a comfortable place to live. ...

Breach of Contract in Business: What Are Your Options?

Contracts are essential to business relationships. They establish expectations, allocate responsibilities and provide a framework for delivering goods...

How Pest Control Companies Can Rank for the Problems Customers Search First

Introduction SEO for Pest Control needs to start with the customer’s problem. Most people do not search for pest services in a neat or technical wa...

What Are the Benefits of Renovating an Older Home in Sydney?

Sydney has plenty of character homes, from Federation cottages to mid-century brick homes. Renovating rather than rebuilding can preserve what makes t...

Pool and Deck Design: How to Plan the Perfect Outdoor Living Space for Your Sydney Home

For many Australians, the backyard is where life happens. Summer barbecues, weekend swims and long evenings outdoors are all part of the lifestyle, ...

Is Solar Pool Heating Worth It? What Sydney Homeowners Should Know

There's nothing quite like a backyard pool on a hot Sydney day. But once autumn rolls in, many pools sit unused for months because the water is simp...

Planning a Luxury House Move: A Week-by-Week Timeline for Prestige Sydney Homes

Selling or buying a prestige home is a major milestone. Whether it's a waterfront residence in Birchgrove, a grand Federation home in Haberfield or ...

Downsizing or Upgrading Your Caravan? Here's How to Sell It Without the Hassle

Selling a caravan can feel like a major task, especially when you are unsure about its value, paperwork, or how to find a buyer. Whether you are dow...

The Best Overseas Adventure Holidays for Australians Who Love the Outdoors

Australia offers no shortage of incredible outdoor experiences, but sometimes the best way to satisfy your sense of adventure is to head overseas. A...

Cape Town Wine Shuttle: Winelands Tasting & Tours

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the picturesque Cape Winelands, where world-class wines and breathtaking scenery await. Our Cape Town Win...

Metal Fabrication: Choosing Metal Fabrication Melbourne Services for Custom Projects

What Modern Metal Fabrication Involves From individual components to complete structures, metal fabrication brings together processes such as desig...

Why Giant Rats Tail Grass Keeps Coming Back After Spraying

Giant Rats Tail Grass (GRT) is one of the most frustrating pasture weeds for farmers and lifestyle property owners. You spray an infested area, see th...

When Custom Cardboard Boxes Make Sense for Your Business

Custom cardboard boxes can be useful when a standard carton does not fit a product, packing method or presentation requirement particularly well. A ...

Full-Height vs. Pop-Top Caravan: Which Is Better for Family Travel across WA?

A pop-top caravan is an excellent choice for travellers who want the comfort of a caravan without committing to a larger, bulkier setup. With a lowe...