Dietitians Australia has called on the Australian Government to ensure that every person prescribed weight-loss medications is also supported by an Accredited Practising Dietitian, warning that prescriptions alone place patients at risk.
Announced at the Australian Parliament House earlier this year, the call comes amid growing use of GLP-1s for weight loss.
“We must not overlook the importance of nutrition when it comes to the safe use of these medicines,” says Dietitians Australia President Dr Fiona Willer.
“We cannot continue to risk handing out prescriptions for these medications without adequate wraparound care for people, including personalised medical nutrition therapy from a dietitian before, during and following the use of the medicine.
“Where a prescription for weight loss medicine is placed in an Australian’s hand, for any purpose, a letter of referral to a dietitian should be placed in the other hand.”
Dr Willer says GLP-1RA medicines suppress appetite, which can compromise nutrient intake if not carefully managed.
“Eating well is critical, absorbing adequate nutrition from food is critical, even when taking a medicine that suppresses one’s appetite,” she says.
Dr Willer warns that without dietetic support, patients face a “significant risk of malnutrition, loss of muscle and bone mass and over the longer term, risk developing a disordered pattern of eating or potentially a fear of food or eating itself.”
“If people aren’t supported with long-term behaviour change, and enabled to self-manage their nutrition, they are destined to end up with poorer health outcomes than they started with,” she says.
Dietitians Australia CEO, Magriet Raxworthy, says GLP-1s can be used safely and effectively, as long as patients are “well supported and guided by their GP and dietitian.”
“There are many exemplary examples of safe and effective patient care in Australia, where people are using these medicines for therapeutic purposes, well supported and guided by their GP and Accredited Practising dietitian,” Dietitians Australia Chief Executive Officer Magriet Raxworthy said.
Dr Terri-Lynne South, Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Obesity Management Specific Interest Group, notes that “obesity is a complex health issue” and “requires comprehensive solutions”.
“It’s not just about losing weight, it is about gaining health,” she says.
“Dietitians play a key role in the use of GLP-1RA medication, in helping patients to maximise health benefits and minimise medication and weight loss side effects.
“Better access to nutritional care in Australia is critical to ensure Australians using these medications receive the comprehensive support they need.”
For more information and to find an APD, visit: dietitiansaustralia.org.au/seeing-dietitian-australia.
