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The Royal Australian College of GPs () has said that 鈥斅爐o reduce health inequity 鈥斅爀ffective obesity-management medication should be subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (). RACGP鈥檚 change in position on medication for weight loss, which could include semaglutide-based drugs, follows its release of a new position statement on obesity prevention and management. In addition to the PBS subsidy, which will help reduce obesity for some patients, the RACGP is calling on the health system to support all patients to 鈥榞ain health鈥� 鈥� and maintain it.

鈥淭here is a growing body of evidence that semaglutide medicines are an effective way for patients to reduce their risk of developing complex and chronic conditions that are linked to overweight and obesity,鈥� RACGP Specific Interest Obesity Management Chair Dr Terri-Lynne South said. 鈥淢anufacturers have drawn exceptional profits from these medications. Now they must invest in reducing costs for patients. PBS spending is an investment in health, with competing calls for funding, so any spending must be efficient.鈥�

With of Australian adults living with obesity, the estimates the direct and indirect costs of this to be around $12 billion per year. Heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, some cancers, and other chronic diseases are also experienced at higher rates by people who live with obesity, with聽South stating that Australia鈥檚 high rate of obesity is also a major barrier to health equity.

鈥淚f a medicine is effective and safe, and the cost of a condition to the health system outweighs the cost of treating it with a medicine, there鈥檚 a strong case to subsidise that medicine,鈥� South said. 鈥淭he evidence for semaglutide and similar GLP-1 receptor agonists as effective weight loss medicines is if not at, then approaching, that point.

鈥淏ut semaglutide and similar medications can have side effects that make them unsuitable for many patients. The patients who benefit from them get the best results by also making lifestyle changes. Both groups of patients should be supported by their GP and care team to gain health, including by maintaining a healthy weight.

鈥淪pecialist GPs are well-placed to help our patients achieve and maintain health. PBS-subsidised medications could make a big, difference, but patients also need policy changes to help them to stay healthy,鈥� South said. 鈥淭hat means funding to spend the time they need with their specialist GP, and better access to health professionals like dieticians, especially via their general practice.鈥�

Image credit: iStock.com/Jacob Wackerhausen