Looking Beyond the Scales: What World Obesity Day Means for Your Health

Obesity is a multifactorial, chronic condition influenced by many factors. It’s shaped by biology, genetics, environment, access to care, sleep, stress, and other factors. Recognising this complexity helps reframe the conversation from blame to understanding and meaningful support. 

In Australia, around two-thirds of adults live with overweight or obesity.^1,2 These figures emphasise the importance of compassionate, practical strategies to support health.

Why Nutrition Matters for Health and Weight Management

Good nutrition is essential for overall wellbeing, but it’s not always easy to achieve. The Australian Dietary Guidelines encourage a balanced mix of foods from the five core food groups, with fewer discretionary items.³ Nutrition also plays a key role in weight management, together with movement, sleep, emotional wellbeing, and behavioural support.⁴

Many Australians still fall short of recommended intakes – especially for vegetables. With busy routines, planning regular healthy meals can be challenging, which is why having a bit of structure can make a real difference.

The importance of Nutrition while on GLP‑1 Therapies

More Australians are using GLP‑1 therapies as part of their weight management plan. It’s normal to feel less hungry while on a GLP-1 therapy, but balanced nutrition remains essential.

Healthcare professionals often encourage people on GLP‑1 therapies to maintain adequate protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals to ensure they continue to receive the nutrients their bodies need to stay healthy. When appetite is lower, choosing nutrient‑dense foods can become even more important.

A structured eating pattern can support:

• Regular mealtimes
• Consistent nutrient intake
• Reduced reliance on discretionary foods
• Simpler day‑to‑day decision‑making

Where Structured Meal Options Can Help

Some individuals find structured routines easier to maintain when meals are portion controlled and nutritionally balanced. OPTIFAST VLCD products offer a high-protein, complete nutritional option, supplying essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and controlled calories.

How OPTIFAST VLCD Can Support Structured Eating

These options can make it easier for people to follow a structured eating pattern when they value convenience or consistency.

Building a Supportive, Sustainable Approach

Improving health isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress, support, and finding tools that fit your life.

Simple, practical steps aligned with Australian guidelines include:

• Planning for regular meals⁵
• Filling half your plate with vegetables where possible³
• Choosing lean protein sources such as legumes, fish, eggs, poultry, tofu or nutrient‑dense formulated options³
• Limiting high‑sugar, high‑fat discretionary foods^3,6
• Seeking personalised guidance from a healthcare professional or dietitian³

Where to Go from Here

Explore structured support with the OPTIFAST Program
or 
Find on OPTIFAST Accredited Healthcare Professional near you.

<sup>References
1. Australian Government Department of Health. Overweight and Obesity Statistics. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health; n.d.
2. Australian Government Department of Health. National Obesity Strategy 2022–2032. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health; 2022.
3. National Health and Medical Research Council. Australian Dietary Guidelines. Canberra: NHMRC; 2013. 
4. Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Working Group. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Australia (Draft). Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health; 2024. 
5. Queensland Health. Healthy Meal Ideas and Menu Planning. Brisbane: Queensland Health; n.d. 
6. Obesity Evidence Hub. Diet & Exercise Trends in Australian Adults. Melbourne: Obesity Evidence Hub; 2025. OPTIFAST VLCD is for the dietary management of overweight and obesity and must be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.</sup>