Weight management
A medical approach to weight: assessment of causes and risks, realistic goals, dietitian and exercise referrals, and medication where appropriate.
East Hills Medical Centre provides medically supervised weight management at 17 Maclaurin Avenue, East Hills, for adults who want a plan rather than another diet. A first appointment is a long consultation that reviews your weight history, eating and activity patterns, sleep, mood, medications that affect weight, and blood tests for thyroid, diabetes, cholesterol and liver health. Your GP then agrees realistic goals with you and builds a plan that may include referral to a dietitian or exercise physiologist under a care plan, treatment of contributing conditions such as sleep apnoea or insulin resistance, and prescription medication where it is clinically appropriate and discussed with you. Progress is reviewed regularly, with weight, waist and blood pressure tracked over time. Consultations follow the standard fee schedule, with bulk billing for concession card holders on weekdays. The aim is health, not a number: better blood pressure, blood sugar, joint pain and energy.
What the assessment covers
- Weight and waist measurement, blood pressure
- Blood tests: thyroid, glucose and HbA1c, lipids, liver function
- Screening for sleep apnoea, depression and eating disorders
- Review of medications that can affect weight
Treatment options
Most plans combine changes to eating and activity with treatment of any medical contributors. Where lifestyle change alone has not been enough, your doctor may discuss medications approved in Australia for weight management, including their benefits, side effects and cost, and referral for bariatric surgery assessment where criteria are met.
Support in the practice
A GP Management Plan can provide Medicare-rebated visits to a dietitian and exercise physiologist. The visiting physiotherapist can help with exercise when joint pain is a barrier.
Questions patients ask
Is weight management bulk billed?
Consultations follow the standard fee schedule, with bulk billing for concession card holders and patients aged 18 and under on weekdays. Care plans are bulk billed where eligible.
Do you prescribe weight loss injections?
Medication is one option among several and is only considered after a full assessment. Your doctor will discuss whether any medication is appropriate for you, its risks and its cost.
How often will I be reviewed?
Usually every four to six weeks at first, then less often as things settle. Reviews are short consultations unless there is more to discuss.
Book an appointment
Online through HotDoc at any hour, or call reception on (02) 9773 3676 during opening hours. Mon to Fri 8:30am to 5pm, Sun 9am to 2pm.