New Heart Foundation Consensus Statement Recognises Obesity as a Major Cardiovascular Health Priority

For many years, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity have often been managed as separate health issues. However, growing evidence shows they are deeply interconnected.

The recent Australian-first Heart Foundation Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease Consensus Statement represents an important shift in how healthcare professionals assess and manage people living with overweight or obesity who have cardiovascular disease, or who are at high risk of developing it.

I was honoured to contribute as a member of the multidisciplinary national taskforce that helped develop this landmark statement alongside experts in cardiology, endocrinology, general practice, bariatric surgery, allied health, public health and people with lived experience.

Why This Matters

Obesity is now recognised internationally as a complex, chronic disease that affects multiple organ systems. It is a major driver of cardiovascular disease, contributing to conditions such as:

• Coronary artery disease

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Heart failure

• Atrial fibrillation

• High blood pressure

• Type 2 diabetes

Around two-thirds of Australian adults are currently living with overweight or obesity, and more than half of Australian adults are projected to be living with obesity by 2035 if current trends continue.

Importantly, cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in people living with obesity.

A Shift Towards Cardiometabolic Health

One of the most important themes of the consensus statement is the recognition that obesity should not be viewed simply as a lifestyle issue or a matter of willpower.

Instead, obesity is increasingly understood as part of a broader Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) health framework, where excess adiposity contributes to interconnected disease processes affecting the heart, kidneys, liver, metabolism and overall health.

This approach encourages earlier assessment, earlier intervention and a greater focus on preventing long-term complications.

The Four Pillars of Care

The Heart Foundation consensus statement recommends a comprehensive approach built around four key pillars.

1. Nutrition

A heart-healthy eating pattern remains a cornerstone of treatment. The focus is not simply on short-term dieting, but on creating sustainable dietary patterns that improve both weight-related health and cardiovascular outcomes.

2. Physical Activity

Regular physical activity remains essential for cardiovascular health, metabolic health, fitness, mobility and quality of life.

Importantly, exercise delivers significant health benefits even when weight loss is modest.

3. Evidence-Based Medical Therapies

The statement provides practical guidance on the use of modern obesity medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that some of these therapies can improve cardiovascular outcomes in selected populations, in addition to supporting clinically meaningful weight loss.

The statement emphasises that medications should complement lifestyle interventions rather than replace them.

4. Metabolic Bariatric Surgery

For some individuals, metabolic bariatric surgery remains the most effective intervention for achieving substantial and durable weight loss and improving obesity-related complications.

The statement provides guidance regarding when surgery should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment pathway.

Beyond Weight Loss

A particularly important aspect of the consensus statement is its emphasis on health outcomes rather than focusing solely on the number on the scales.

Research shows that relatively modest weight reductions—often around 5–10% of body weight—can lead to meaningful improvements in blood pressure, blood glucose, metabolic health and cardiovascular risk.

The goal is not simply weight loss. The goal is improved health, quality of life and long-term reduction in cardiovascular risk.

Addressing Weight Stigma

The consensus statement also acknowledges the impact of weight stigma and bias within healthcare settings.

Many people living with obesity have experienced judgement, shame or repeated unsuccessful attempts to manage their weight. These experiences can create barriers to seeking healthcare and contribute to poorer health outcomes.

Creating supportive, respectful and evidence-based healthcare environments is essential to improving outcomes.

How Perth Weight Clinic Can Help

At Perth Weight Clinic, we take a comprehensive, doctor-led approach to obesity and cardiometabolic health.

Our assessments go beyond weight alone and may include evaluation of:

• Cardiovascular risk factors

• Blood pressure

• Blood glucose and insulin resistance

• Cholesterol and lipid profiles

• Fatty liver disease risk

• Sleep-related conditions

• Body composition

• Nutrition, activity and lifestyle factors

Treatment plans are personalised and may include behavioural strategies, nutrition support, physical activity guidance, evidence-based medical therapies and referral for specialised care when appropriate.

The release of the Heart Foundation's consensus statement is an important milestone for Australian healthcare. It reinforces what many clinicians working in obesity medicine have recognised for years: obesity deserves the same evidence-based, compassionate and long-term approach that we apply to other chronic diseases.

By addressing obesity earlier and more effectively, we have an opportunity to improve not only weight-related outcomes, but also cardiovascular health, quality of life and overall wellbeing.