A synthesis of selected national Australian guidelines on the general practice management of adult patients who are overweight or obese

Background:

A general practitioner's (GP's) daily workload includes an ever-increasing number of patients who are overweight and obese. A number of Australian guidelines are aimed at assisting GPs who are managing this group of adult patients. 

Objective:

The objective of this article is to synthesise selected national Australian guidelines for GPs in the management of adults who are overweight or obese. 

Method:

Relevant national guidelines were chosen and reviewed by three GPs. The recommendations were amalgamated and any discrepancies were discussed within the research team. 

Results:

We presented a synthesis of the guidelines under headings that will assist GPs in a structured approach to managing patients who are overweight and obese. Discussion This synthesis forms the basis for developing a practical toolkit to assist GPs in managing adult patients who are overweight and obese.