Lack of public bariatric surgery potentially “substandard care”
Without bariatric surgery, we cannot provide international standards of care.
Obesity is now the second largest non-fatal disease risk in the country in the last 15 years.
Estimated direct costs of $5.4 billion and indirect costs of $6.4 billion annually.
"Within 10 years, it will be the leading preventable cause of disease and death.
Currently, 90% of obesity is done in the private healthcare system.
Professor A/Allie described the situation as "truly worrisome".
“By 2025, approximately 80% of Australian adults aged 20 and over are projected to be overweight or obese.
The obesity rate is probably around 40%.
And about one-third of children over the age of five become obese. ”