We are committed to encouraging research into the various aspects of obesity as well as promoting a holistic approach to the prevention and management of obesity. We acknowledge that weight stigma remains a problem and work actively to spread awareness about the issues and language around obesity. We believe weight discrimination and blame are misplaced because most people have incorrect or incomplete notions about what causes obesity and how to manage it. We want to shift the focus to actions that will help minimise the impacts of the condition on individuals, families, communities, and civil society.

ANZOS as an organisation does not promote any one particular approach, diet, service, or product. We DO, however, strongly advocate for a range of high-level evidence-based options to be available and affordable for all who want and need them.

We require:

• Judgement-free care at every encounter with the health system

• Specialist multidisciplinary team clinics in public hospitals

• Bariatric surgery in large public hospitals

• Improved access to multidisciplinary teams in primary care settings

• PBS (Australia)/ Pharmac (NZ) subsidised weight management medication for complex cases with severe obesity

• Increased funding into research on the causes, complications, prevention and treatment of obesity

Because, every person should be aware of their options, have access to peer support, and be able to make an informed choice on what is right for them.