The cost of ignoring nutrition support: a call for action
The price of neglect: Australia's health crisis.
Dietitians Australia has issued a stark warning to the Federal Government, urging them to take immediate action and invest in nutrition and prevention measures. The organization highlights the dire consequences of continued underinvestment, which will only exacerbate chronic diseases and strain an already burdened healthcare system.
As the peak body representing dietetic and nutrition professionals, Dietitians Australia has presented a comprehensive plan with 13 evidence-based recommendations. Their focus is on tackling diet-related diseases, improving access to nutrition care, and ensuring dietetic support reaches those who need it most, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
"Diet is a powerful tool for health, yet it's often overlooked in our healthcare budget," says Magriet Raxworthy, Chief Executive Officer of Dietitians Australia. "It's time to recognize the essential role of nutrition in preventing and managing chronic conditions."
The latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing paints a concerning picture. Overweight and obesity, high blood glucose levels, and impaired kidney function are among the top risk factors contributing to Australia's health spending, with costs amounting to billions of dollars.
"We're paying a heavy price for our neglect of diet-related disease prevention," Ms. Raxworthy emphasizes. "Hospitalizations that could be avoided, and Australians struggling to access the care they need - these are the consequences of our inaction."
But here's where it gets controversial: Dietitians Australia is calling for an expansion of Medicare-funded dietetic services, including a minimum of 12 dedicated sessions for individuals with chronic diseases. They argue that people living with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions deserve affordable access to dietitians to prevent complications.
"The current system forces people to delay or forgo care due to cost, which is unacceptable," says Dr. Fiona Willer, President of Dietitians Australia. "We need to ensure that everyone has equal access to the support they need to manage their health."
And this is the part most people miss: the rapid uptake of GLP-1 medicines across Australia. Dietitians Australia is advocating for mandatory referrals to Accredited Practising Dietitians before, during, and after the use of these medicines, along with funded wraparound nutrition care.
"GLP-1 medicines can be highly effective, but without expert nutrition support, users are at risk of malnutrition, eating disorders, and loss of muscle and bone mass," explains Ms. Raxworthy. "Funding these medicines without adequate nutrition support undermines their potential and fails to deliver sustainable health outcomes."
Dietitians Australia is also pushing for stronger nutrition standards and on-the-ground support in early childhood education and care, multidisciplinary care in aged care facilities, and guaranteed access to dietetic services for NDIS participants. They believe that investing in these areas will not only improve health outcomes but also reduce long-term healthcare costs.
"The 2026-27 Budget is a turning point," Ms. Raxworthy adds. "It's an opportunity for the Government to move beyond short-term fixes and embrace long-term health reform. We can no longer afford to pay for avoidable health costs."
So, what do you think? Is it time for a paradigm shift in Australia's healthcare system? Should nutrition and dietetic support be given higher priority? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
