Low Carb Brisbane 2025 Round Up

A Weekend of Science, Connection, and Momentum for Change

By Claire McDonnell Liu, Nutrition Writer & Researcher

Last weekend’s Low Carb Brisbane 2025 brought together hundreds of clinicians, researchers, and health enthusiasts from across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond — all united by a shared goal: improving health through evidence-based nutritional and metabolic strategies.

The energy throughout the event was extraordinary — thoughtful questions, engaged discussions, and a palpable sense of optimism about the future of metabolic health care.

Highlights 

Dr Laureen Lawlor Smith, on behalf of the Australasian Metabolic Health Society (AMHS), presented the Society’s Draft Cardiovascular Risk Position Statement, outlining evidence-based recommendations for assessing and managing cardiovascular risk in the context of therapeutic carbohydrate reduction. This milestone document reinforces AMHS’s commitment to advancing science-led guidance in preventive and reversal-focused medicine.

Dr Carlo Longhitano and Dr Matthew Phillips shared world-first insights on mitochondrial and metabolic therapies for neurological and serious mental health conditions, showcasing the evolving science connecting metabolism and brain health. Their respective research programs push the boundaries of metabolic psychiatry, delivering real hope to families impacted by treatment-resistant brain illness and setting a foundation for future research and therapies.

Dr Paul Mason delivered another powerful and data-rich talk, reminding us that science and critical thinking must remain at the centre of clinical nutrition.

Dr James Muecke inspired attendees with his advocacy for chronic disease prevention and his call for reform in public health bodies to address conflicts of interest and outdated health messaging.

Other standout sessions explored the latest on:

• Type 2 and Type 1 diabetes management using low-carbohydrate and ketogenic interventions with Dieticians Amy Rush and Beth McNally.
• GLP-1 inhibitors (“weight loss jabs”) and their implications for long-term metabolic health with Dr Peter Brukner.
• Dr Tania Farrar inspired optimism with her overview of ketogenic diet in managing epilepsy for both adults and children. She shared clinical insights, evidence-based outcomes, and success stories, highlighting how tailored dietary interventions can significantly improve quality of life for patients and families. 
• Dr Helena Popovic delivered an engaging session on the link between nutrition and dementia, combining current research with practical strategies for cognitive support and metabolic interventions. Her energy and passion brought complex neurological concepts to life, emphasising the role of lifestyle, nutrition, and metabolic therapies in supporting brain health.
• Practical implementation of low-carb diets in clinical and community settings, to support patients
• We were pleased to welcome back our partner organisations, HCANZA representing health coaches, and the Australasian Metabolic Health Society (AMHS), which equips health professionals with the knowledge and tools to implement evidence-based metabolic health strategies — including low-carb therapies — to improve patient health outcomes.
• The exhibitor hall was buzzing with innovation and energy! Attendees explored everything from replenishing electrolytes, low-carb baked foods, alternative sweeteners, ancestral foods to some enlightening sexual health devices tackling erectile dysfunction, a common comorbidity of diabetes.  Meanwhile, the Defeat Diabetes team showcased their cutting-edge Diabetes app, giving clinicians and patients new, accessible tools to support diabetes reversal with a low-carb nutrition approach. The mix of serious science and playful curiosity kept everyone engaged throughout the weekend.

A Growing Professional Movement

This year’s event saw a remarkable new wave of health professionals — doctors, nurses, dietitians, and allied health practitioners — attending to learn, connect, and create change. Their enthusiasm for evidence-based nutritional practice demonstrates a powerful shift in professional attitudes toward metabolic health and lifestyle medicine.

Acknowledgement

A huge thank you to the Low Carb Down Under team and volunteers for their professionalism, organisation, and ongoing commitment to bringing the science and stories of metabolic health to the public.

And to all attendees — thank you for your energy, curiosity, and engagement. Your questions, conversations, and community spirit made Low Carb Brisbane 2025 a standout event on the metabolic health calendar.

Where to next..?

Together, we’re building the future of healthcare — one that empowers individuals, supports clinicians, and puts metabolic health at the centre of chronic disease prevention.

Watch this space as we prepare to announce next year’s annual Low Carb Down Under conference dates and location soon!

Meanwhile join the Low Carb Down Under mailing list here and the Low Carb Down Under Facebook group to keep up to date with events and connected in the community – and support Low Carb Down Under on patreon, link below.