Medical weight management

Obesity is a chronic, complex and relapsing disease characterised by an excess of body fat that may directly cause health problems or increase the risk of these, and reduces quality of life. It is not the result of poor choices or a lack of willpower or motivation.Body weight is influenced by a combination of biology, genetics, hormones, metabolism, environment, medications, sleep, stress and life experiences. Some of the drivers for weight gain start before you are even born! Once excess body fat develops, the body actively defends it through changes in appetite hormones, energy expenditure and metabolism, making weight loss difficult to achieve and even harder to sustain without appropriate treatment and support.Obesity can be diagnosed using several measures. A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above (27 or above for specific populations) traditionally has been used alone to diagnose obesity. However, additional measurements of excess fat are needed to confirm the diagnosis. For example, an elevated waist circumference (>88 cm for women and >94 cm for men - lower for specific populations) may be used to diagnose obesity even if BMI is below 30. Overweight is diagnosed when your BMI is above 27 but less than 30 (for White Caucasian populations).Because obesity is often a lifelong problem, effective treatment must focus on durable health improvement and sustainable weight loss. Check your BMI now

Your assessment at Perth Weight Clinic is a comprehensive clinical evaluation of your health. It provides the foundation for a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan that supports your health in a sustainable way. We have designed your assessment to enable us to understand the factors influencing your weight, health, and wellbeing. Each client is different, so we take the time to explore your unique biology, lifestyle, and health history before making recommendations on personalised treatment.We provide long initial appointments (up to 60 minutes) to give you the time and space to discuss your health and weight loss goals in a supportive, non-judgmental and stigma-free environment. What to Expect:A friendly conversationWe want to learn more about your health concerns and health goals. We will explore how long you have lived with obesity, how your weight affects your life, and have a discussion about the fundamental pillars of health—nutrition, physical activity, mental wellbeing and sleep. Body composition assessment We use bio-impedance analysis to provide an accurate assessment of your fat mass and muscle mass. This helps guide treatment decisions to promote healthy weight loss that targets reductions in fat mass whilst preserving muscle and bone mass. Cardiometabolic, nutritional and hormonal screening We arrange several blood and urine tests to assess biomarkers relating to your cardio-metabolic health and nutrition status, and review other key health markers relevant to weight and health. This includes screening for testosterone deficiency in men and menopause in women. We advise on further tests that may be appropriate according to your needs. This includes wearables such as a continuous glucose monitor, pharmacogenomic testing, and screening for specific health conditions, such as coeliac disease, fatty liver disease, nutritional deficiencies and diabetes. Specialist investigationsAt Perth Weight Clinic, we work closely with several medical and surgical specialists and will organise specialist investigations when indicated. For example, calcium scoring and cardiac stress testing for cardiovascular disease, liver ultrasound and FibroScan for fatty liver disease, and overnight sleep studies for obstructive sleep apnoea. Mental health and eating-behaviour screening We explore factors such as mood, stress, sleep and eating patterns in a respectful and supportive way, recognising the important role they play in appetite regulation and health. For clients living with mental illness, disordered eating or eating disorders, we can initiate tailored treatment through our mental health team or refer to specialist eating disorder services in Perth. Learn more about your assessment here.

Safe and effective weight loss treatment recognises that sustainable weight loss is not simply a matter of willpower and motivation. We shift the focus from individual responsibility to shared care, following a medical model that aims to give durable weight loss and improved health outcomes.Understanding weight regainTraditional calorie-focused approaches to dieting may lead to short-term weight loss. However, the body adapts by:Slowing metabolic rateIncreasing hunger and appetite signalsThese biological responses commonly lead to weight regain in those that have lived with obesity over a long period of time.A personalised, medical approachThe treatment we recommend is always tailored to your health, goals and preferences. We do not rely on:Extreme dietary restrictionUnsustainable exercise plansWillpower-based strategiesGiving every person the same weight loss medicationFoundations of treatmentWe provide support for behaviour change across key pillars of health:NutritionPhysical activitySleepMental wellbeingManagement of obesity-related chronic diseaseObesity is closely linked with chronic conditions such as:Cardiovascular diseaseType 2 diabetes and insulin resistanceFatty liver diseaseObstructive sleep apnoeaInsulin resistanceHigh blood pressureHigh cholesterolOur goalClinically meaningful and sustainable weight lossImproved metabolic and cardiovascular healthReduced risk and progression of obesity-related diseaseA compassionate, stigma-free treatment experience focused on long-term wellbeingClick here to read more about the treatment we provide.

Prescription medications for weight loss may be considered for certain eligible clients as part of a doctor-supervised medical weight loss treatment plan. Not every client is eligible for prescription weight loss medication and some clients may benefit from other treatments. This is why every client receives a comprehensive clinical assessment to ensure the right treatment is provided. Read more about prescription medication for weight loss here.

Our team of medical and allied health practitioners are qualified and experienced in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of medical, mental and physical health conditions that may co-exist alongside obesity. Many of our clients experience meaningful health gains through weight loss and treatment specifically for obesity-related conditions.

Perth Weight Clinic is a private billing clinic and consultation fees apply for all appointments. Our fees are listed here.Medicare rebates are available for all Medicare card holders for consultations with our medical practitioners.For allied health practitioner consultations, Medicare rebates are available for those with a GP Chronic Condition Management (Care) Plan provided from your regular general practitioner.If you have private health insurance, you may also be eligible for additional rebates, depending on your level of cover and your insurer’s terms and conditions.

We firmly believe that healthcare practitioners offering treatment for obesity must have the right expertise and appropriate experience in diagnosing and managing obesity. Any practitioner can prescribe a medication, but only a skilled and experienced practitioner knows which is the right treatment and how to prescribe it safely. Obesity is one of the most complex of all chronic diseases and providing the right treatment requires an accurate and comprehensive clinical assessment which may be difficult to provide as an online-only appointment or during a short consultation. This is why we choose to provide in-person and long consultations for all initial appointments. Learn more here.