By Kat Ritchie
Liz shines when discussing her pet PhD topic – managing obesity in general practice. Nicely timed for Christmas.
Which medications safely make us thinner, now amphetamines and tobacco have lost favour? And, if media images keep depicting Headless Fatties*, how can GPs raise the topic without adding to the stigma?
Justin reveals that one of Australia’s biggest GP education companies is boasting it can change our prescribing habits at will – for a hefty fee.
Build your own promotional campaign with Liz’s Magic Marketing, and discover the superpower Justin wishes he possessed but his family knows he doesn’t. 
*Not our term – the podcast and link below place this memorable idiom in context. We wouldn’t insult Santa.
References:
Effects on Weight Reduction and Safety of Short-Term Phentermine Administration in Korean Obese People Yonsei Medical Journal, 2006
Headless fatties by Charlotte Cooper, 2007
Treating obesity seriously: when recommendations for lifestyle change confront biological adaptations Lancet, 2015. [But note authors’ multiple conflicts of interest]
No Advertising Please campaign 2014
They wouldn’t do that, would they? The Medical Republic, 30 Nov 2016
World Obesity image bank Free usage for non-profit purposes
drjustincoleman 
Enjoying your podcasts, but a little surprised no mention of liraglutide- Care to add an appendix?
My disappointment was slightly lifted by hearing The Pogues at the end
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Hi Tim
Liraglutide not currently PBS listed in Australia for weight loss. There’s a great summary at NPS here-
http://www.nps.org.au/publications/health-professional/health-news-evidence/2015/diabetes-drugs-for-weight-management
Similar to others, need lifestyle changes for effect. Also some rare side effects like thyroid cancers.
You’re right – would be a great podcast all on its own. Especially focusing on the marketing via pharmacies – see first page of this pharmacy newsletter http://issues.pharmacydaily.com.au/2016/Feb16/pd010216.pdf
Might have to do a follow up next year!
Hope you have a great festive season
Liz
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