Obesity is a chronic, complex and relapsing disease requiring coordinated, long-term care. While specialist obesity services provide essential expertise for people with complex needs, their capacity is limited, and most people living with obesity will receive much of their care in general practice. Despite this, traditional models often position primary care primarily as a referral source or a destination for discharge, rather than an active partner in obesity management. This fragmented approach risks delays in treatment, duplication of care, inconsistent communication and gaps in long-term follow-up. General practice is uniquely positioned to deliver longitudinal, person-centred obesity care, integrating management of obesity-related complications, pharmacotherapy, nutrition, physical function and psychological wellbeing. However, effective partnerships require more than simply improving referral processes. They require recognition of primary care expertise, clearly defined shared-care responsibilities, timely specialist advice, accessible escalation and re-entry pathways, and sustainable funding models.