Obesity medications symposium: what, why, how?
About the symposium:
The world of obesity medications is rapidly evolving, so we’re bringing you a half day virtual symposium featuring Dr Terri-Lynne South, Dr Jessica McMaster and Glenn Mackintosh to help you stay up-to-date with the latest science and practical applications in dietetic practice. From a doctor, a dietitian and a psychologists’ perspective, the symposium will answer all your questions about obesity medications, including:
- How do obesity medications actually work?
- What are the side effects, and how can a dietitian help?
- What are the key nutrients to consider?
- How can you support behavioural change in these patients?
- What are the long-term implications?
Agenda:
What are obesity management medications and how do they work?
Dietitian and Doctor Terri-Lynne South will explain everything you need to know about obesity medications from a medical point of view, including the most prescribed medications in Australia, how they work and their side effects. Terri-Lynne will explore the implications of long-term use, unpacking if, when and the process of transitioning off them. Indications for use, patient suitability and regulations around access will also be covered, as will the combination of obesity management medication with bariatric surgery. Terri-Lynne will also share her perspective on goal setting, ensuring a balance between medical and patient goals is achieved.
Dr. Terri-Lynne South is both a Medical Doctor (GP) and an Accredited Practicing Dietitian. She is the Director of a specialised health service: Lifestyle Metabolic. Dr. Terri-Lynne has more than 25 years of experience as a healthcare professional. She is passionate about metabolic health, focusing on providing a holistic health service that achieves positive outcomes anchored in evidence, innovation and experience. Terri-Lynne is dedicated to breaking down the stigma, bias and shame associated with the label “obesity” and promoting the science behind the concept of pathological excess body fat as both a health risk and a chronic medical condition. She is a member of a number of national obesity-related advisory committees to ultimately help patients living in a larger body.
Key nutritional considerations for patients using GLP-1 medications
Obesity medications reduce appetite and “food noise”, giving patients the opportunity to focus on long-term behavioural change and emotional regulation… but what implications does this have for dietary management? In this presentation, dietitian Dr Jess McMaster will cover strategies to support weight loss while maintaining lean muscle mass, developing balanced eating habits, preventing undernutrition and managing side effects. Jess will unpack how dietitians can leverage reduced food-related urges to help their patients manage their emotional response to food, in turn implementing regulation strategies that support long-term, healthy behaviours.
Dr Jess McMaster is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with a focus on metabolic health, weight management and the role of GLP-1 medications in treating obesity and related comorbidities. She earned her PhD from the University of Queensland in 2019, where she examined an endoscopically placed weight loss aid and its impact on the gut. Jess is passionate about empowering patients to manage chronic lifestyle diseases through evidence-based dietary strategies. She brings a wealth of knowledge to her clinical practice, optimising nutrition for individuals using GLP-1 medications and helping them achieve sustainable weight loss and improved metabolic health.
Psychological considerations for patients taking obesity medications
How do you foster sustainable behaviour change to enhance long-term health outcomes? Psychologist Glenn Mackintosh will explore the nuances of supporting patients taking obesity medications and demonstrate how counselling techniques differ from those on a weight management journey without medications. Glenn will also outline body image concerns, weight stigma, and mood, highlighting practical tips for dietitians to support their patient’s mental wellbeing.
Glenn Mackintosh is a psychologist who is passionate about eating, physical activity, weight, body image, and health in general. He is the Clinical Director of the Weight Management Psychology clinic, the Creator of the Transformation Support Community online program, and the author of the bestselling book, ‘Thinsanity: 7 Steps to Transform Your Mindset & Say Goodbye to Dieting Forever’. Glenn enjoys supporting his clients and online program members, supervising the clinical members of his team, and training a variety of health professionals to apply psychological principles to better support their clients and patients.
US dietitians: If you joined the symposium live, “Obesity medications symposium: what, why, how?” awards 1.75 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program.
If you watched the recording, “Obesity medications symposium: what, why, how?” awards 2.0 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program. You can find your post-test learner assessment here.
CPEUs for the live webinar expire on December 3, 2025, and CPEUs for the webinar recording expire on November 26, 2027.
CPD hours are applicable for Australia and New Zealand dietitians. Check your local country requirements to see if you can claim for continuing education.
The content, products and/or services referred to in this symposium are intended for Health Care Professionals only and are not, and are not intended to be, medical advice, which should be tailored to your individual circumstances. The content is for your information only, and we advise that you exercise your own judgement before deciding to use the information provided. Professional medical advice should be obtained before taking action. The reference to particular products and/or services in this symposium does not constitute any form of endorsement. Please see here for terms and conditions.
Webinar Slides:
| Continuing Education (USA) | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2.5 hours |
| CPEUs Awarded | 1.75 for live activity (186111), 2.0 for recorded activity (186073) |
| Performance Indicators | 9.2.1, 9.2.2, 10.6.2, 11.4.4 |