Women face unique challenges when it comes to managing weight, including fluctuating hormones at various life stages, something that has advocates calling for health professionals to abandon a one-size-fits-all approach.

Obesity is widely misunderstood as being solely a result of poor diet or lifestyle, despite impacting two in three Australians.

It is a complex issue, yet stigma and shame are commonplace and can prevent people accessing care.

Wendy Manuell has experienced challenges with her weight for as long as she can remember.

The 74-year-old says she has often been dismissed by health professionals and family members who told her to "eat a bit less" without looking further into the causes.

"I firmly believe there isn't an easy fix for being overweight and I think the term 'obese

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