Healthcare Interventions:
Adult with Obesity
Obesity is a complex disease and its effective management may require input from multiple disciplines, depending on the stage of obesity and the specific case presentation.
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A coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving medical, nutritional, psychological, exercise, surgical, lifestyle behavioural and rehabilitation expertise is recommended in many cases. Physiotherapists play
a key role in both the prevention and management of obesity and its related complications. Their expertise in rehabilitation and clinical exercise prescription for chronic disease with a strong focus
on optimisation of physical function, participation in life activities and overall quality of life, irrespective of pathology is critical in obesity management. Physiotherapists are ideally placed to assess and address the complex consequences of obesity, including limitations in overall mobility and physical function, low physical activity levels, reduced cardiorespiratory capacity, musculoskeletal pain, lymphoedema
and ergonomic challenges associated with moving and handling in healthcare.
Physiotherapists support people with chronic disease and disability to engage in effective physical activity and exercise, including supporting recovery after bariatric surgery. The necessary collaboration with colleagues across multiple disciplines to support integration of evidence based approaches to obesity (e.g., diet, behavioural, pharmacotherapy) aligns well with the physiotherapy biopsychosocial ethos.
The following subsections explore key physiotherapy interventions for obesity management within
this broader context. These include exercise prescription, system-specific considerations (e.g., musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory) and safe moving and handling practices.
The section also provides an overview of key evidence-based interventions delivered by other members of the multidisciplinary team, such as dietary modification, pharmacological therapy, and bariatric surgery and highlights the physiotherapist’s role in supporting and integrating these approaches within holistic obesity care models.
