Compass Western Sydney

30/09/2025

Sometimes the headlines misconstrue the facts.

1. Some people using weight loss injections have reported hair loss, but more research is needed to understand why.

2. Rapid weight loss itself can trigger temporary shedding (telogen effluvium) due to stress on the body or nutrient changes, so it may not always be the medication directly.

3. The evidence is early and not conclusive – current studies show an association, not proof of cause. Larger, long-term trials are needed.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39863171/

Weight loss jabs are not only helping people lose the weight-thousands of users say their hair is falling out too.

04/06/2025

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

Bowel cancer is Australia's second deadliest cancer, yet it's one of the most treatable when caught early.

Did you know? People living with obesity have a higher risk of developing bowel cancer. Despite this, they are often less likely to take part in screening due to stigma, discomfort, or limited access to care.

If you're 45 or older, you're eligible for a free screening test. Knowing your risk and acting early can make all the difference.

02/04/2025

AI is revolutionizing obesity treatment by speeding up drug discovery and personalizing care. Through machine learning and deep learning, AI identifies new drug targets, optimizes design, and tailors treatments based on individual genetics and behaviors. While GLP-1 receptor agonists show promise, AI is also uncovering new treatment pathways. Despite challenges like data quality and regulatory issues, AI’s potential to transform obesity therapeutics remains strong.

For more, check out the full article.

28/03/2025

Australia’s Health Budget: Are We Missing the Bigger Picture?

The latest Federal Budget invests heavily in healthcare, with more funding for hospitals, GPs, mental health, and medicines. But here is the problem: most of this funding goes toward treating illness, not preventing it.

Right now, obesity and overweight are the biggest causes of preventable death in Australia, yet there is no real plan to tackle them at a national level. Prevention is not just about individual choices; it is about policies that make healthy living easier for everyone.

Some positives in the Budget include:
✔️ **Support for women’s health** – More funding for contraception, endometriosis clinics, and pelvic pain support.
✔️ **Funding for mental health** – Extra support for First Nations communities and digital mental health services.
✔️ **Action on dementia** – A new monitoring centre, though prevention is still lacking.

But when it comes to preventing chronic disease, there is still a big gap. Western Australia has committed to spending 5 percent of its health budget on prevention by 2029. Shouldn’t we be doing this nationwide?

What do you think? Should Australia invest more in prevention? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

Australian Federal Budget, 2025-26

26/03/2025

Are weight loss medications worth the cost?

New research assessing the cost-effectiveness of four anti-obesity medications in the US found that tirzepatide and semaglutide provide significant health benefits compared to lifestyle changes alone. However, at current prices, they are not considered cost-effective, raising important questions about affordability and access.

Obesity is a major contributor to chronic disease, and for many, medication can be a vital tool in management. Lowering costs and ensuring equitable access to these treatments is key to making them a viable option for those who need them most.

What do you think? Should weight loss medications be more affordable?

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2831205

20/03/2025

Today is Harmony Day, a chance to celebrate the incredible diversity that makes our communities stronger. It is also a reminder that everyone deserves to feel like they belong, no matter their background. At COMPASS, we know that inclusion goes beyond culture. It is also about ensuring everyone has fair access to healthcare and support. When we break down barriers, whether in society or in health, we create a better future for all. Let’s take today to listen, learn, and appreciate the people around us.

08/03/2025

This International Women's Day, we are proud to celebrate the incredible women leading research at COMPASS, including our very own Associate Professor Kate, an epidemiologist and expert in chronic disease prevention.

With over 16 years of experience, Kate is dedicated to improving healthcare access and chronic disease prevention, particularly for people living with obesity. As a passionate advocate for high-risk and marginalised populations, she works to break down barriers in healthcare and ensure that ALL women and girls have access to the care they deserve.

Beyond her research, Kate is the President of the NSW Branch of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and a National Board Member, where she plays a key role in shaping public health policy and advocacy. Her leadership reflects the 2025 theme, "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," by championing health equity and inclusive healthcare policies.

💜 Tag a woman in research or healthcare who inspires you! Let’s celebrate their achievements and continue to champion a future of rights, equality, and empowerment.

Kate is an epidemiologist and chronic disease prevention expert. Kate is Associate Professor in Population Health at Western Sydney University and has more than 16 years experience in population health and chronic disease research including development, evaluation and translation of interventions an...

07/03/2025

This International Women's Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women worldwide. The 2025 theme, "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," reminds us that true progress means ensuring every woman—regardless of background, identity, or circumstance—has access to the opportunities and healthcare she deserves.

https://www.unwomen.org/en/get-involved/international-womens-day

At COMPASS, we work to improve healthcare access and prevent chronic disease, advocating for equitable care for all people, including women. Obesity-related health conditions, such as certain cancers and heart disease, disproportionately affect women, making access to quality care and prevention strategies more important than ever.

Everything you need to know about International Women's Day celebrations on March 8 every year.

04/03/2025

Today is .

is a complex condition and each individual faces distinct needs & challenges.

A healthier society is possible only if we prioritize community support & stand up against discrimination and stigma.

04/03/2025

No single intervention will fix the obesity crisis—we need system-wide change.

To reduce the impact of obesity, we need:

* Better healthcare systems that provide affordable, evidence-based treatment
* Stronger food policies to improve access to healthy options
* Healthier environments that support active living

What system changes would you like to see?

04/03/2025

Obesity is a chronic disease, but many people still struggle to access treatment. Too often, the conversation focuses on personal responsibility, when in reality, the healthcare system is failing to provide the care people need.

* Many people are now considering weight loss injections to help manage obesity, but access is limited.

* In Australia, they are only available through private prescriptions at a high cost
In the UK, access is restricted to specialist metabolic clinics.

* Demand is outpacing supply, leading to shortages and some people turning to unregulated sources.

At COMPASS, we are conducting a survey to understand how people are accessing weight loss injections—including their experiences, barriers, and the support they receive. This information will help us advocate for better policies and ensure safe and appropriate access to obesity treatment.