How Australians view obesity is changing
Drawing on research insights, perspectives from people living with obesity, and healthcare professional's expertise, we can gain a better understanding of obesity in Australia.
[We open with Dr Steven Lu sat on a stool in a studio.]
[SUPER: Dr Steven Lu, General Practitioner]
Dr Steven Lu: Obesity as a disease is often grossly oversimplified, and I think that actually drives some of the stigma that we see.
[We cut away from Dr Steven Lu and show a blank screen.]
[SUPER: We think obesity is a personal failure, not a disease.]
[We strike through certain words in the super to form the next super.]
[SUPER: Obesity is a chronic disease.1,2]
[We cut back to Dr Steven Lu sat on a stool in a studio.]
Dr Steven Lu: What I want people to know is that obesity is actually a chronic and complex disease that is multifactorial.
[We cut away from Dr Steven Lu and show a blank screen.]
[SUPER: Obesity is a chronic disease and it is ok to talk about it.1,2]
[SUPER: Talking to your doctor is an important first step.]
[FOOTNOTE SUPER: References: 1. Rubino F, et al. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2025;13(3):221–262. 2. Greenway FL. Int J Obes (Lond). 2015;39:1188–96.
© 2026 Eli Lilly Australia Pty Limited. ABN 39 000 233 992. Level 9, 60 Margaret St, Sydney NSW 2000. Telephone: 1800 454 559. Date of preparation: March 2026. CMAT-17298.]
[SUPER: We won’t weight]
[We open with Dr Steven Lu sat on a stool in a studio.]
[SUPER: Dr Steven Lu, General Practitioner]
Dr Steven Lu: If you’re feeling a bit apprehensive talking about weight or obesity with your GP, one tip that I have is actually verbalise it. You can come in and say, ‘Look doctor, I’m feeling a little bit nervous. I’m feeling a little bit apprehensive discussing this topic.’ And sometimes that can really reduce the temperature of the room and help you form that connection that can make you comfortable.
[We cut away from Dr Steven Lu and show a blank screen.]
[SUPER: Obesity is a chronic disease, and it requires ongoing care and support.1,2]
[SUPER: Talking to your doctor is an important first step.]
[FOOTNOTE SUPER: References: 1. Rubino F, et al. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2025;13(3):221–262. 2. Greenway FL. Int J Obes (Lond). 2015;39:1188–96.
© 2026 Eli Lilly Australia Pty Limited. ABN 39 000 233 992. Level 9, 60 Margaret St, Sydney NSW 2000. Telephone: 1800 454 559. Date of preparation: March 2026. CMAT-17299.]
[SUPER: We won’t weight]
[We open with Shelly Horton sat on a stool in a studio.]
[SUPER: Shelly Horton, Journalist & TV Presenter]
Shelly Horton: I find that I get quite nervous talking to healthcare professionals about my weight, and something that I found really helped me was to actually take notes in my phone. So if I had questions or things that I was worried about or symptoms that were coming up, if I record them on my phone when I'm actually in having the appointment, it's there.
[We cut away from Shelly Horton and show a blank screen.]
[SUPER: Obesity is a chronic disease, and it requires ongoing care and support.1,2]
[SUPER: Talking to your doctor is an important first step.]
[FOOTNOTE SUPER: References: 1. Rubino F, et al. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2025;13(3):221–262. 2. Greenway FL. Int J Obes (Lond). 2015;39:1188–96.
© 2026 Eli Lilly Australia Pty Limited. ABN 39 000 233 992. Level 9, 60 Margaret St, Sydney NSW 2000. Telephone: 1800 454 559. Date of preparation: May 2026. CMAT-17300.]
[SUPER: We won’t weight]
Let's Talk
Let’s Talk About Weight: A national report on lived experiences of obesity and weight management in Australia explored attitudes, behaviours and experiences of 1,005 Australians living with overweight or obesity. Key findings can be found in the Let's Talk magazine. 1
Aussie Voices
Research published in the ‘Let’s Talk About Weight’ report highlighted the impact living with overweight or obesity can have on multiple key aspects of life, including social, physical and mental wellbeing.1
50% delayed key life decisions such as taking a bucket list trip, meeting a partner or applying for a promotion.1*
Expert perspective
“I’d encourage patients to take that first step – have the weight conversation with your GP. This is your health, and the time is now.”
– DR STEVEN LU, GENERAL PRACTITIONER
Qualified healthcare experts can help develop a personalised, well-rounded weight management plan.2
As a chronic disease, obesity requires ongoing care and support.3,4
There are various weight management options to consider, your doctor can help you choose the right approach for you.
It’s time to relieve the burden of having a conversation about weight.
Let’s Talk About Weight, 2025’. METIS Healthcare Research, commissioned by Lilly Australia.
Melby CL, et al. Nutrients. 2017;9(5):468.
Rubino F, et al. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2025;13(3):221–62.
Greenway FL. Int J Obes (Lond). 2015;39:1188–96.