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Obesity Management Services

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a chronic medical condition in which excess body fat accumulates to the point where it may harm a person’s health. It is not just about body weight or appearance—it is a recognised disease that increases the risk of developing serious health problems.


How is Obesity Measured?

The most common tool used to identify obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a number calculated using a person’s weight and height.

  • A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.
  • A BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese.


While BMI is a helpful screening tool, it does not directly measure body fat, and other assessments, such as waist circumference and body composition, may be used to provide a more comprehensive picture.


What are Obesity Management Services?

Obesity Management Services are coordinated, evidence-based programs designed to help individuals lose weight safely and improve their overall health. These services go beyond temporary dieting and focus on long-term, sustainable changes. 


Effective obesity management often involves a multi-disciplinary approach, including

  • input from doctors,
  • dietitians,
  • exercise physiologists, and
  • mental health professionals.


Behavioural therapy and support groups can also help address the psychological and social aspects of obesity.


The treatment plan is designed to be individualised, considering the person's overall health, medical history, and personal preferences and goals. The ultimate goal is to help the person achieve and maintain a healthy weight in the long term.


Who is Suitable for Obesity Management Services?

Obesity Management Services are suitable for a wide range of individuals, including those who:

  • Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30: A BMI over 30 is considered medically obese and indicates a higher risk for health conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
  • Have a BMI over 27 with health complications: People who are overweight and have weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, or joint pain may benefit significantly.
  • Have not achieved results through diet and exercise alone: These services are especially helpful for people who have tried multiple diets or weight loss programs without long-term success.
  • Need professional support and structure: Obesity is influenced by biology, mental health, social circumstances, and lifestyle habits. Individuals who need medical supervision, emotional support, or specialised care can benefit from a structured program.
  • Are preparing for surgery or medical procedures: In some cases, patients may need to lose weight before undergoing other surgeries (e.g., knee replacements, IVF) to reduce surgical risks and improve outcomes.


Children, adolescents, and older adults can also be eligible, depending on their individual needs, health risks, and goals. A consultation with a GP or weight management specialist helps determine the best approach.


Benefits of Obesity Management Services

Obesity Management Services go beyond weight loss—they aim to improve overall health, quality of life, and long-term outcomes. The key benefits include:

  • Improved physical health: Losing weight can lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnoea. It can also improve joint function and reduce inflammation.
  • Better mental well-being: Many people experience improvements in mood, self-esteem, energy levels, and mental clarity as they lose weight and adopt healthier routines.
  • Sustainable lifestyle change: Rather than promoting temporary solutions, these programs focus on long-term habits like mindful eating, regular activity, and emotional coping skills.
  • Reduced medication dependency: As health markers improve, some individuals may reduce or stop medications for high blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar (under medical supervision).
  • Personalised care and accountability: Regular check-ins, guidance, and team-based support can help individuals stay motivated and make consistent progress.
  • Better sleep and energy: Weight reduction often leads to improved sleep quality and less fatigue during the day.


Additionally, people who engage in structured obesity management often feel empowered and more in control of their health journey.


Types of Obesity Management

There are several types of obesity management options, which can be used alone or in combination, depending on the individual's needs and preferences. Some of the most common types of obesity management include:

  • Lifestyle changes
  • Medications
  • Weight loss surgery
  • Behavioural therapy


The choice of obesity management approach will depend on the individual's overall health, medical history, and personal preferences and goals. Working with your doctor to create a personalised treatment plan is essential.


Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes are often the first line of treatment for obesity and are a vital component of obesity management. These changes typically include adjustments to diet and exercise, as well as other habits and behaviours that may contribute to weight gain.

  • Diet: Eating a healthy diet that is low in calories, saturated fat, and added sugars and high in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help to promote weight loss and improve overall health. This can include reducing portion sizes, limiting processed foods, and increasing the intake of whole foods.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity is crucial for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week and muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week.
  • Sleep: Obtaining good quality and enough sleep is essential for weight management. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to hormonal imbalances that increase the risk of weight gain and obesity.
  • Stress Management: Stress can lead to weight gain, so it's essential to manage stress levels through yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
  • Mindful eating: Mindful eating is an approach that encourages paying attention to the physical and emotional sensations of hunger and fullness, as well as the taste, smell, appearance and pleasure of food.
  • Support system: Having a support system, such as a family member, friend, or support group, can help to provide motivation and encouragement for making lifestyle changes.


Lifestyle changes are a long-term commitment, but with time and effort, they can lead to sustainable weight loss, improved overall health and reduced risk of obesity-related health conditions.


Medications

Medications can be used as an adjunct to lifestyle changes to help individuals with obesity lose weight and improve overall health. The different types of medications used for obesity management include:

  • Appetite suppressants: These medications reduce hunger and cravings, making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet. Some examples of appetite suppressants include phentermine, diethylpropion, and phendimetrazine.
  • Fat blockers: These medications work by preventing the absorption of fat from food. Orlistat is an example of a fat blocker.
  • GLP-1 receptor agonists: These medications increase feelings of fullness and slow stomach emptying. Examples include liraglutide, semaglutide, and albiglutide.
  • Bupropion-naltrexone: This combination reduces hunger and cravings and increases feelings of fullness.
  • SGLT-2 inhibitors: These medications block glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, resulting in increased glucose excretion and weight loss. Examples include canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin.


These medications are typically used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and are not intended for long-term use. They should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, and regular monitoring is necessary.


They also have potential side effects and drug interactions, so it's essential to inform your doctor of all medications and supplements being taken.


Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a treatment option for individuals with obesity who have not been able to achieve significant weight loss through lifestyle changes alone. These surgeries are typically recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or those with a BMI of 35 or higher and one or more obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes or sleep apnea.


There are several types of weight loss surgery, including:

  • Gastric bypass
  • Sleeve gastrectomy
  • Adjustable gastric banding
  • Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)


Weight loss surgery is an effective procedure that carries potential risks and complications; therefore, it's essential for individuals to carefully consider the benefits and risks before deciding to undergo surgery. It's also important to note that weight loss surgery is not a quick fix, and individuals will need to make lifelong changes to their diet and exercise habits to maintain their weight loss.


Behavioural Therapy

Behavioural therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals identify and change behaviours that contribute to their obesity. It can be an effective tool for individuals seeking to lose weight and enhance their overall health.


Some examples of behavioural therapy techniques that may be used for obesity management include:

  • Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Mindfulness-based therapy
  • Interpersonal therapy
  • Problem-solving therapy


Behavioural therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as diet, exercise, and medication. It typically requires more time and effort than other treatments, but it can be an effective approach for achieving and maintaining long-term weight loss.


What to Expect Before and During Obesity Management Services

Before Starting the Program

Before beginning an obesity management service, you will typically go through an initial assessment and planning stage. This helps your healthcare team understand your health status and goals.


Here’s what to expect:

  • Comprehensive Health Evaluation: You will likely undergo a physical examination, body measurements (such as weight, BMI, and waist circumference), and blood tests to assess factors like blood sugar, cholesterol, liver function, and hormones.
  • Medical History Review: Your GP or specialist will ask about your weight history, previous diets or programs, eating patterns, physical activity, mental health, medications, and any existing medical conditions.
  • Lifestyle Assessment: You'll discuss your daily routines, sleep, stress levels, social habits, and barriers to change.
  • Readiness and Goal Setting: The team will help you identify realistic goals and what motivates you, whether it’s improving your energy, managing a health condition, or preparing for surgery.


You may be referred to other team members, such as a dietitian, psychologist, exercise physiologist, or bariatric specialist, depending on your needs.


During the Program

Obesity management is a progressive process that unfolds over weeks, months, or even longer periods. Services are typically personalised and coordinated by a multidisciplinary team.


What typically happens during the program:

  • Regular Check-ins: You’ll attend scheduled appointments to monitor progress, discuss challenges, and adjust your plan. These might occur weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, depending on the program.
  • Meal Planning and Nutrition Coaching: A dietitian or nutritionist will help you create a sustainable eating plan, review your food diary, and provide strategies for managing cravings or emotional eating.
  • Exercise Support: You may work with an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist to develop a safe and achievable activity routine. For some people, this starts with low-impact options such as walking, stretching, or hydrotherapy.
  • Mental Health and Behavioural Therapy: If psychological support is part of your care, you may attend individual sessions or group workshops to explore emotional triggers, motivation, and coping mechanisms.
  • Medical Supervision: If you're prescribed weight loss medications or are preparing for bariatric surgery, your doctor will monitor side effects, adjust doses, and guide you through the necessary pre- and post-treatment steps.
  • Education and Skill Building: Programs often include sessions on healthy cooking, mindful eating, label reading, sleep hygiene, and stress management.


Obesity Management Prognosis and Long-Term Outcomes

Short-Term Improvements (3–6 Months)

  • Weight Reduction: Many patients lose 5–10% of their body weight in the first few months. This can already result in significant health benefits.
  • Health Marker Improvements: Blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and inflammatory markers often improve within weeks or months of initiating treatment.
  • Better Energy and Mood: Sleep quality, daily energy levels, and mental wellbeing tend to improve as the body becomes healthier.
  • Increased Motivation: Seeing early results often increases motivation to continue making positive lifestyle changes.


Long-Term Outcomes (1 Year and Beyond)

Sustained weight loss and health improvements are more likely when individuals stay engaged with the program over time and continue follow-up care.


Typical long-term outcomes include:

  • Weight Maintenance or Further Loss: Patients who remain in structured programs are more likely to maintain weight loss. A 10–15% loss from baseline weight is both achievable and medically significant.
  • Reduced Risk of Chronic Disease: Long-term weight loss reduces the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, osteoarthritis, and some cancers.
  • Decreased Medication Use: Many individuals are able to reduce or stop medications for conditions like hypertension or diabetes under their doctor’s supervision.
  • Improved Mobility and Function: Joint pain, fatigue, and mobility restrictions often subside, allowing for increased physical activity and greater independence.
  • Better Quality of Life: Emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, confidence, and social participation improve as health stabilises.


Maintaining Results

  • Long-term follow-up is essential. Many people benefit from periodic check-ins or joining maintenance programs that provide ongoing support and resources.
  • New habits must be reinforced. Continued focus on meal planning, regular physical activity, and emotional well-being is key to sustaining progress.
  • Adaptability helps. Life circumstances will change, and the ability to adjust your plan with the help of your care team is critical.