Advocating for Equitable Obesity Care in Australia
Across Australia, a diverse community of General Practitioners (GPs), endocrinologists, bariatric specialists, and allied health professionals are united by a shared purpose: to advocate for fair, funded, and evidence-based access to obesity care.
At the heart of this movement is the RACGP Specific Interests Group in Obesity Management — a national network of GPs who share a special interest in the complex, chronic condition of obesity. This group brings together clinicians working in general practice, hospital-based clinics, regional towns, and telehealth settings, each seeing obesity care through a unique lens.
Despite this diversity, one message remains constant: obesity is not a lifestyle choice. It is a chronic, multifactorial medical condition that deserves the same compassion, structure, and support as any other chronic disease.
A Shared Purpose: Compassion, Equity and Science
Across clinics and communities, clinicians witness the same challenges — delayed care, stigma, and financial barriers that prevent patients from accessing effective treatments. Too often, those who need help the most are the least able to afford it.
This is why doctors, dietitians, and allied health professionals have joined forces through the Obesity Advocacy Group, a collective working to address inequity in access to obesity treatment across Australia.
Together, they’ve developed the Health Equity for All proposal — a practical, evidence-based policy model calling for structured, equitable, and compassionate care that prioritises those with the highest clinical need first.
Importantly, the Health Equity for All proposal has been officially endorsed by:
- the RACGP Specific Interests Group in Obesity Management
- the Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society (ANZOS)
- and the National Association of Clinical Obesity Services (NACOS)
These endorsements reflect the unity and shared vision across Australia’s leading obesity and metabolic health organisations.
Advocacy That’s Making Waves
What began as a collective of clinicians volunteering their time has grown into a movement that’s starting to make waves - capturing national attention and sparking important conversations about equity and chronic disease care.
Recently, this work made front-page news in The Australian — a milestone that highlights not only the strength of the message but the urgency of the issue.
The goal has never been publicity. It’s about people — and the growing recognition that every Australian living with obesity deserves fair access to medical care, regardless of postcode or income.
A Collaborative Movement
This advocacy effort remains entirely volunteer-led - clinicians giving their time and expertise to create meaningful change for patients. It represents a rare and powerful collaboration between professionals who might otherwise work in separate spheres.
By bringing together doctors, endocrinologists, dietitians, and allied health professionals, the group ensures that every patient perspective and clinical setting is represented. From city clinics to rural practices, this collective voice is shaping a more compassionate and equitable future for obesity care in Australia.
With thanks to A/Prof Samantha Hocking, A/Prof Milan Piya, A/Prof Sof Andrikopoulos, Hon Professor Timothy Gill, Dr Terri-Lynne South, Dr Mark Mellor, Dr Remon Eskendar, Dr Julie Manasseh, Dr Daiva Kuzinkoviene, Dr Dev Kawol, Dr Catherine Bacus, Dr Keshinie Selvarajah, Dr Sharmila Sambandam, Dr Helena Morris, Dr Alex Craven and Dr Clare Mullen, whose dedication and collaboration continue to strengthen this cause.
Dr. Angela Kwong: Contributing to a Shared Vision
Among the contributors to this national effort is Dr. Angela Kwong, GP and Founder of Enlighten Me, who also serves as the NSW State Lead for the RACGP Specific Interests Group in Obesity Management.
As part of this advocacy group, Dr. Kwong is proud to work alongside colleagues who share the same vision - improving access, reducing stigma, and ensuring that obesity care in Australia is equitable, structured, and guided by evidence.
In Dr. Kwong’s words:
“This work is about more than policy - it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that every person living with obesity has access to the care they need, without stigma or financial barriers. Together, we can make that vision a reality.”
Looking Ahead
Momentum for equitable obesity care is building. With clinicians, professional organisations, and communities standing together, Australia has a genuine opportunity to lead the world in delivering evidence-based, compassionate obesity treatment.
At Enlighten Me, we’re proud to stand alongside these advocates and to continue supporting initiatives that prioritise health equity, clinical integrity, and patient-centred care.
As our advocacy work continues to grow - and as national recognition builds, we remain hopeful that these collective efforts will translate into tangible support for our patients. Because every Australian deserves the chance to access the care they need to live well and thrive.
Closing Reflection
Enlighten Me stands with the clinicians and organisations advocating for equitable access to obesity treatment. Through collaboration, compassion, and science, we can reshape how obesity care is delivered in Australia - ensuring that help is not reserved for those who can afford it, but available to all who need it.
