The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released its 2025 update to the Measuring What Matters framework on September 15, providing critical insights into the health and well-being of Australians. One of the key areas of focus is the growing prevalence of chronic conditions, which continue to be a significant barrier to achieving better health outcomes and a higher quality of life.

Rising rates of chronic conditions in Australia

The ABS data reveals that nearly half (50%) of Australians now live with one or more selected chronic health conditions—a rise of 19% from 42% in 2007-08. 

Meanwhile, the proportion with multiple chronic conditions increased to 22% in 2022 from 17% in 2007-08, including arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heart and vascular diseases, and mental health conditions.

There are notable disparities by sex and socioeconomic status: 52% of females have at least one chronic condition compared to 47% of males, and the likelihood of two or more chronic conditions is almost double in the most disadvantaged areas compared to the least disadvantaged (28% vs. 16%).

Comparison to global trends

Globally, chronic disease mortality declined between 2010-2019, mainly driven by reductions in cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. However, progress has slowed, with nearly 60% of countries experiencing a deceleration or reversal of earlier gains in reducing chronic disease mortality.

High-income countries show mixed results. For instance, the United States lags in lowering chronic disease death rates across several age groups, whereas many European countries continue steady, though slower, progress.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns of slowing global health gains and highlights chronic diseases as a major contributor to premature mortality and disability worldwide.

How health professionals can help prevent and reverse chronic diseases

Preventing and managing chronic disease requires multifaceted approaches, including lifestyle modifications, early detection, and innovative care models. Digital interventions are increasingly recognised as practical tools to support self-management and improve health outcomes.

Key prevention strategies include:

• Preventive health checks and screening
• Screen high-risk adults every 3 years for type 2 diabetes using HbA1c or fasting blood glucose (FBG). Repeat annually if impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose is present.
• Use risk assessment tools such as AUSDRISK to identify people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Monitor and calculate BMI regularly, using age and sex-appropriate growth charts where relevant.
• Recommend digital health tools and platforms for education, monitoring, and engagement, such as the Defeat Diabetes Program, which offers evidence-based support for metabolic health and lifestyle adjustments.

GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (GPCCMPs)

• Use the streamlined GP Chronic Condition Management Plan to manage patients with one or more chronic conditions (including obesity and diabetes) through dietitian support. 
• Encourage regular review of the GPCCMP, making it a living document that evolves to meet the changing needs of patients.

Weight management and obesity care in General Practice

• Implement structured weight management programs within GP practices, involving multidisciplinary teams including practice nurses and allied health professionals (dietitians, exercise physiologists).
• Proactively recall patients who are overweight or obese for lifestyle advice and weight management interventions.
• Use care plans to set individualised weight loss goals (typically 10–15% of body weight for patients with BMI >30 or with complications).
• Leverage funding and resources available through regional PHNs and programs supporting chronic disease prevention and management.

Digital therapeutics and interventions now represent a transformative opportunity in the management of chronic diseases. They can empower GPs and their clinical teams with real-time patient data, tailored lifestyle coaching and seamless care coordination at scale. 

Embedded into general practice, digital programs can enable a proactive and personalised approach that goes beyond the limitations of conventional care. 

Such integration offers the best chance to disrupt the trajectory of rising chronic disease, as outlined in the 2025 Measuring What Matters report, providing health professionals with the tools to drive meaningful change where it matters most—at the patient level.