Novo Nordisk launches new clinician podcast to mark World Obesity Day

Pharma News: This World Obesity Day, new research has revealed the alarming breakdown in communication between patients and healthcare professionals, driven in part by feelings of awkwardness and being uncomfortable, highlighting the urgent need to address Australia’s growing obesity trend.

ACTION-Au leading author, Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ Obesity Specific Interest Group, and GP with a specific interest in obesity management, Dr. Georgia Rigas, stressed the importance of seeking support to manage obesity, especially considering the higher morbidity rates associated with carrying excess weight.

“We know that obesity is associated with many other chronic diseases including certain cancers, coronary heart disease, infertility in young women, Type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis of the weight bearing joints and chronic kidney disease. With the added risk of severe COVID-19, taking the first step of speaking with your GP could be the most important thing you do this year,” she said.

When it comes to addressing significant weight concerns, approximately one in three patients (29%), and more than one in two healthcare professionals (56%), believe there are more important issues to discuss, meaning that critical conversations about obesity management may be regularly falling by the wayside.

Interestingly, the research also showed that 68% of people with obesity would like their healthcare professional to initiate the conversation, demonstrating the need for both patients and GPs to be empowered to raise the topic of weight management, without fear of awkwardness or judgement on either side.

With more than two in three (67%) Australian adults classified as having overweight or obesity, World Obesity Day marks an important milestone in a pandemic year, more so than any other year.

Coinciding with World Obesity Day, Novo Nordisk has launched a new podcast series to educate and equip GPs with the skills to navigate challenging conversations with patients.

“The Rethink Obesity 4Forums is a timely resource for GPs, who we know are looking for further information on the best ways of guiding their patients through weight management treatment. Research suggests that neither GPs nor people living with overweight or obesity believe they have the time to talk weight management, emphasising the need for additional resources such as this podcast series.

“The series offers digestible insights and guidance for healthcare professionals. We are constantly striving to support both individuals who are living with overweight or obesity, and healthcare providers, to drive change, and bridge the gap between perception, reality and action when it comes to weight management,” said Jeppe Theisen, Vice President and Managing Director, Novo Nordisk Oceania.

President of The World Obesity Federation (WOF), John Wilding said “Despite government commitments, not a single country is on track to meet the WHO goals. There is no excuse for this inaction. People with obesity require respectful and equitable access to treatment or opportunities for prevention. This requires action from policymakers around the world to address the underlying ROOTS of obesity.

“The Rethink Obesity® 4Forums podcast series will help equip General Practitioners with the skills they require to navigate challenging conversations with patients.”