weight management · 2025 · 3 min read
Weight management: the essentials
key points
- Carrying excess weight raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, so it is worth taking seriously.
- Your GP starts with a proper assessment, checking BMI, waist and any medical causes before jumping to treatment.
- The best diet is the one you can actually stick to, paired with regular movement and some strength work.
- Medications like the GLP-1 agonists can help when lifestyle changes alone are not enough, and surgery is an option for some.
- Lasting results usually come from a team approach, not willpower alone.
How do you actually manage weight?
Managing weight is not just about diet and exercise. It often takes a team approach and a plan that suits your lifestyle and health needs. Carrying excess weight is a common and complex health issue, and it increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. The good news is that there are more options than ever, and the right combination for you is something you and your GP can work out together.
Screening and assessment
Your GP will start with a full assessment to understand your health and the possible causes of weight gain. This may include:
- BMI and waist measurements to check if you are overweight (BMI 25 or more) or obese (BMI 30 or more).
- Medical causes such as thyroid problems, hormonal changes (for example menopause or PCOS), Cushing's syndrome, or medications that may promote weight gain (like antipsychotics or corticosteroids).
- Eating habits, to identify patterns such as binge or night-time eating, which may need tailored support.
Lifestyle management
Diet
The best diet is one you can maintain long-term. Some well-studied options include:
- Mediterranean diet: rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Low-carbohydrate plans: may suit people with insulin resistance or diabetes, with medical guidance.
- Intermittent fasting: such as the 16:8 or 5:2 methods, which can help with calorie control.
- Meal replacements or portion-controlled diets: useful when structure and simplicity help you stay on track.
Exercise
Regular physical activity supports weight loss and improves overall health:
- Aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity each week (like brisk walking or cycling).
- Include 2 sessions of strength training weekly to maintain muscle.
- Add incidental activity. Small habits like taking the stairs or walking between errands make a difference.
Medical options
If lifestyle changes alone aren't enough, your GP may discuss medications. These are considered if:
- Your BMI is 30 or higher, or
- Your BMI is 27 or higher and you have related conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
GLP-1 receptor agonists (for example semaglutide, tirzepatide)
These newer medications have changed how we approach weight loss. They work by helping you feel full sooner, reducing appetite, and stabilising blood sugar. In Australia, these are available under prescription and must be used with medical supervision. Other prescription options may also be discussed based on your medical history and suitability.
Surgical (bariatric) options
For some people, weight loss surgery may be appropriate when:
- BMI is 40 or more, or
- BMI is 35 or more with weight-related health problems.
Surgery can lead to significant and long-lasting results, but it requires lifelong dietary and medical follow-up.
The team approach
Successful, long-term weight management often involves:
- Dietitian: for personalised nutrition advice.
- Exercise physiologist: for safe, tailored activity plans.
- Psychologist: to address emotional or behavioural eating.
- GP or endocrinologist: for regular review and medication support.
- Bariatric surgeon: when bariatric surgery is an option.
The bottom line
Managing weight takes time and teamwork. With a balanced approach, combining healthy lifestyle changes, medical options when needed, and emotional support, it's possible to achieve meaningful and lasting results. New treatments like the GLP-1 medications are giving many people new hope in their weight management journey.
Recommended apps
- Noom: focuses on behaviour change and small, sustainable goals.
- MyFitnessPal: tracks calories and nutrients easily.
- Yuka: scans food barcodes to reveal nutritional content and suggest healthier alternatives.
- EatWise: uses AI to help track and plan your meals.
Resources
Dr Ahmed Al-Obaidi · FRACGP
General information only, not personal medical advice. Talk to your own GP about what suits you.