Aims
The Alice Springs Hospital Weight Management Clinic was established in March 2023 to provide multidisciplinary care for patients living with obesity, incorporating endocrinology and dietetic input, and coordinating bariatric surgery referrals. This audit reviewed patient demographics, interventions, and outcomes in the first 12 months of clinic operation, and compared findings with a previous audit (2020–2021) conducted before the clinic’s establishment.
Methods
A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients seen between 01/03/2023 and 01/03/2024, with follow-up to 01/03/2025. Data was collected on demographics, comorbidities, Body Mass Index (BMI), interventions (lifestyle, pharmacological, surgical), and outcomes, and compared with the previous audit cohort.
Results
Fifteen patients (11 female, 4 male) were included; with 27% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. 87% had Class III obesity (mean BMI 49.8, excluding one outlier; maximum 94.4). 60% achieved some weight loss, though only one-third achieved >5% weight reduction. Fourteen patients trialled pharmacotherapy, most commonly Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs), with availability and cost as primary barriers. Three patients enrolled in a very low energy diet program. Three patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy, achieving 10–20% weight loss. All patients were reviewed by a dietitian, reflecting improved multidisciplinary engagement. Comorbidities were present in 73% of patients, including sleep apnoea (40%), hypertension (47%), and diabetes (33%). This audit was limited by a small sample size and substantial loss to long-term follow-up in over half the cohort.
Conclusions
The clinic has improved multidisciplinary care and access to bariatric surgery in a rural setting. However, meaningful weight loss remains limited by medication cost, availability, and psychosocial barriers. Only 27% of patients identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, showing a need to strengthen culturally safe, community-based approaches to weight management. Ongoing priorities include integrating psychological support, hospital-funded pharmacotherapy, and ongoing education for community General Practitioners.