There are numerous ways to treat obesity and it’s important to find a weight loss program that works for you.
Lifestyle changes
For most people, lifestyle changes are the mainstay of obesity management. Obesity is usually the result of a diet that’s high in energy-dense foods, often combined with low levels of physical activity. Therefore, dietary changes and increased activity are the first line of treatment.
Various healthcare professionals can provide support for your weight loss journey. A dietitian can create a tailored dietary plan designed to help you lose weight. An exercise physiologist can design a safe and effective exercise program. A mental health professional can help you explore your thoughts and eating behaviours and build healthier patterns around food and eating.
For some people, however, lifestyle changes may not always deliver the desired weight loss results. We don’t have total conscious control over our appetite and eating habits. Factors like our hormones and environment can make it very difficult to maintain a low-calorie diet long term. Our bodies are wired to hold onto our energy (fat) stores, and weight loss triggers hormonal changes that promote weight regain. Obesity can also make it harder to be physically active.
When sustained efforts to lose weight through diet and exercise haven’t worked, medical and surgical treatment options may be considered. Importantly, you’ll still need to make healthy changes if you use weight loss medications or go ahead with weight loss surgery.
Weight loss medication
Some prescription medications can help you lose weight or prevent weight regain. You may be eligible to access weightloss medication if your body mass index (BMI) is over 30, or if your BMI is 27 or more and you have a weight-related health problem.The choice of medication will depend on personal factors and preferences.
These medications are not suitable for everyone. You shouldn't take prescription weightloss drugs if you're planning a pregnancy, or if you are pregnantor breastfeeding, for example. It’s quite common to experience mild side effects such as nausea, reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Serious side effects are rare but can happen. Weightloss drugs can also be expensive.
Talk to your doctor about whether prescription weight loss drugs are worth a try. They can explain the pros and cons and help you make an informed decision about this option.
Gastrointestinal devices
This relatively new type of weight loss therapy involves inserting a device into the stomach via a thin, flexible tube (known as an endoscope). Endoscopic gastrointestinal procedures include:
- Gastric balloon – which involves passing a balloon into the stomach to take up space, leaving less room for food. This is a temporary procedure, and some people regain lost weight when the balloon is removed.
- Endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy – which involves stitching the stomach to reduce its capacity.
Bariatric surgery
Weight loss surgery can lead to significant and lasting weight loss. Bariatric surgery involves altering the structure of your digestive system to help you lose weight effectively. It is a well-established and effective option for people with obesity who have not achieved significant weight loss through other methods.
Various bariatric surgical procedures are available in Australia, including:
- Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) – in this procedure, a portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller stomach. Gastric sleeve surgery restricts the amount of food you can eat and has a favourable effect on hunger hormones, leading to weight loss.
- Gastric bypass surgery – gastric bypass procedures involve rerouting the digestive tract to bypass a portion of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. There are several types of gastric bypass surgery, including Roux-en-Y, single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve (SADI-S), and mini bypass.
- Adjustable gastric banding (lap-band) – this procedure involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller pouch. The band is adjustable and can be tightened or loosened to control food intake.
- Bariatric revision surgery – people who have experienced complications or insufficient weight loss after an initial surgery may need a revision procedure to address specific issues.
You may be eligible to have weight loss surgery if:
- your BMI is 35 or higher
- your BMI is between 30 and 34.9 and you have a weight-related health issue
- you have attempted to lose weight through diet and exercise but not succeeded
- you are committed to making lifestyle changes to support and maintain weight loss.
For people who are eligible, weight loss surgery can be life changing. Benefits include significant and sustained weight loss, improvement or remission of health conditions and enhanced quality of life.
Which weight loss program is right for me?
If you have concerns about your weight, the best place to start is with a visit to your GP. Many things can influence your weight, and they vary from one person to another. For example, your age, gender, ethnicity and more all affect what a healthy weight is for you. Your GP can check your weight and explain how it might be affecting your health. They can also refer you to health professionals with expertise in supporting people to lose weight.
If you’ve tried losing weight by making lifestyle changes without success, your GP can explain the benefits and downsides of other options. If your weight loss journey leads you to consider surgery, your GP can refer you to see a bariatric surgeon. When you’re ready, our handy search function can help you find a weight loss surgeon near you
We’re a Centre of Excellence
Norwest Private Hospital was evaluated based on rigorous and proven standards set by SRC. Accreditation requirements encompass physicians’ surgical expertise and experience, the standardisation of clinical pathways, consultative services, equipment and instruments, and patient education.
This accomplishment demonstrates Norwest Private Hospital’s commitment to delivering the highest standard of care and excellence to our patients.
Find out more about bariatric & weight loss surgery at Norwest Private Hospital
*Whilst effort is made to ensure that the information contained on this website is accurate and informative and it has been reviewed by a qualified medical practitioner, the information is general in nature, and it should not be used as a substitute for obtaining your own professional or medical advice. Any timeframes or quantitative data including but not limited to estimated timeframes for recovery following a procedure, time required for the procedure, timeframes for weight loss and/or estimated total weight loss are general in nature and your experience, outcomes and results may vary.
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