RACGP calls for obesity-management medication PBS subsidy

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has said that — to reduce health inequity — effective obesity-management medication should be subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). RACGP’s 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 ‘gain health’ — and maintain it.

“There 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,” RACGP Specific Interest Obesity Management Chair Dr Terri-Lynne South said. “Manufacturers 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.”

With around 32% of Australian adults living with obesity, the National Obesity Strategy 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 South stating that Australia’s high rate of obesity is also a major barrier to health equity.

“If 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’s a strong case to subsidise that medicine,” South said. “The evidence for semaglutide and similar GLP-1 receptor agonists as effective weight loss medicines is if not at, then approaching, that point.

“But 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.

“Specialist 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,” South said. “That 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.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Jacob Wackerhausen