Education
Obesity Consumer Conference 2025
A one-day consumer-focused event is hosted by Austin Health and Laneways Rehabilitation and Ergonomics.
The conference is designed for people living in larger bodies, including those living with obesity, as well as healthcare professionals, advocates, and thought leaders in the field of obesity care.
Date
Wednesday 9 July 2025
Location
Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital
Theme
Empowering healthcare: advocating for inclusive care and treatment options for people in larger bodies
About the conference
This unique event brings together a diverse group of experts, professionals, and individuals with lived experience to share knowledge and foster discussion on the latest advancements in the management of obesity. With a focus on inclusive, respectful healthcare, this conference will provide participants with practical insights on navigating the healthcare system, understanding obesity treatment options, and building stronger advocacy for people living in larger bodies.
Throughout the day, attendees will hear from national and international experienced clinicians, researchers, and lived experience advocates, gaining a deeper understanding of what comprehensive obesity care looks like and how to ensure equitable access to treatment for all individuals, regardless of body size.
Austin Health, a nationwide leader in the provision of publicly funded obesity treatment, and Laneways Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, an allied health service dedicated to supporting people in larger bodies, are proud to host this empowering and educational event. Together, we aim to create a platform for advocacy, learning, and connection in the field of obesity care.
Program highlights
Morning session
Navigating healthcare as a person in a bigger body – workshop
This half-day workshop is designed to empower individuals living in larger bodies to navigate the healthcare system with confidence. Discussions on inclusive healthcare, body size diversity, and how to advocate for yourself and others in medical settings.
Key topics include:
- Understanding body size diversity and its impact on healthcare
- What truly inclusive and respectful healthcare looks like
- Strategies for navigating medical appointments with confidence
- Addressing the impact of stigma on healthcare experiences
- Practical steps for effective self-advocacy
Afternoon session
Understanding weight management treatment options as a person living with obesity
In the afternoon, attendees will gain a thorough understanding of the available weight management treatment options in Australia. This session will provide insights into medical, surgical, and multidisciplinary care pathways, offering a comprehensive overview of obesity treatments, including bariatric surgery, medical obesity treatments, and lifestyle interventions.
Key topics include:
- The latest evidence on obesity treatments in Australia
- Multidisciplinary care models and what they should look like
- Understanding the role of medications and surgery in weight management
- Insights from lived experience on accessing obesity treatments
- Practical steps for navigating weight management treatment options
Our speakers include:
- Tracey Carr (UK) – Lived experience advocate, Fat Lot She Knows
- Dr Alex Craven – Metabolic-Bariatric Surgeon, Austin Health
- Jarryd Walkley – Metabolic-Bariatric Nurse Coordinator, Austin Health
- Nadia Walton – Physiotherapist/Bariatric Care Consultant, Laneways Rehabilitation and Ergonomics
- More speakers to be announced soon!
Why attend?
This conference offers a unique opportunity for individuals living in larger bodies to connect with others, share experiences, and learn about the latest innovations in obesity care. Whether you're seeking to better understand treatment options or improve your healthcare experience, this event will empower you with the knowledge, resources, and connections needed to advocate for inclusive care.
Tickets
Book your tickets via these Eventbrite links. You will need a separate ticket for each session.
Convenors
- Jarryd Walkley MN - Bariatric Surgery Nurse Coordinator, Austin Health
- Dr Alex Craven MBBS FRACS - Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgeon Austin Health
- Nadia Walton – Physiotherapist, Director Laneways Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, Bariatric Care Consultant