Weight Management Medicine

What is Obesity / weight management medicine?
I also have a special interest in Obesity/ weight management medicine (also called bariatric medicine or metabolic medicine). This is a medical specialty focused on the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and long-term management of obesity and excess
body weight. It addresses obesity as a chronic disease — not a lifestyle choice — and takes a comprehensive approach that may include:

• Medical/pharmacological treatment (weight-loss medications)

• Behavioural and lifestyle interventions (nutrition, physical activity, psychology)

• Surgical options (In conjunction with a Bariatric Surgeon)

• Managing related conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, etc.)

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What’s my experience in obesity medicine?
14 years’ experience as a general practitioner with an increasing interest in this area of medicine over the last few years. I have undertaken additional learning opportunities including attending the HORIZON Masterclass 2025 and I am currently
working towards SCOPE certification via World Obesity Federation. I also have a Bachelor of Physical Education majoring in Exercise Prescription and Management
and a Post Graduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine giving me a different perspective to the role of diet and exercise to the average GP.
Since the newer weight loss medications became available, I have initiated their use in quite a few patients. Whilst lifestyle approaches such as diet and exercise play an importance role in good health the reality is that they are inferior to medications for
weight loss. That said there is increasing evidence related to the importance of resistance training for maintaining muscle during weight loss and the importance of diet and physical activity in weight maintenance and prevention of metabolic disease.

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Who might benefit from seeing me re weight management?
Anyone who is struggling with excess weight and its related health effects

• Those who have tried diet and exercise but have difficulty losing weight or keeping it off

• People with weight-related chronic conditions like heart disease, fatty liver disease, joint pain, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Those with a history of disordered eating or emotional eating that contributes to weight gain

• People who have experienced weight cycling (repeatedly losing and regaining weight)

• Anyone considering or preparing for bariatric (weight loss) surgery

• Those who have had previous bariatric surgery but are needing ongoing support

• Those needing medical supervision for weight loss medications

• People with hormonal or metabolic disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome) contributing to weight gain

• Older adults dealing with age-related weight changes

• Children over 12 years and adolescents with obesity

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• Clinical criteria for weight management medications are:

  • People with a BMI of 30 or higher (classified as obese)

  • People with a BMI of 27–29.9 (overweight) who also have weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea

However the classification of obesity vary with different ethnicities and those who are Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Sri Lankan etc are classified
as having obesity at BMI's < 30. If you think this may apply to you, you would most likely benefit from an appointment.

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