Obesity Management Service
Information for Patients
What is the Obesity Management Service?
The Obesity Management Service supports adults with a high level of obesity to improve
their health and wellbeing. The Service focuses on those who are at high risk of developing
complications from their obesity or those who already have limiting health problems. The
Service team includes doctors, nurses, dietitians, psychologists and exercise physiologists.
Weight loss surgery will also be considered for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over
40kg/m2.
What will the Obesity Management Service do for me?
The Obesity Management Service will work with you to achieve a healthier lifestyle and
reduce your risk of developing further medical conditions. Following a detailed assessment,
you will work with your case manager to develop an Obesity Management Plan which may
include:
Advice on physical activity and nutrition
Group education
Physical activity programs
Strategies to improve social and emotional wellbeing
Support for long term self-management
Care coordination for those patients with a number of complex medical conditions
In general, the Service will provide 12 months support. The service will not take over
primary care from your general practitioner, nor provide specialist care for conditions other
than obesity.
What about Weight Loss Surgery?
As result of ACT Government funding, public weight loss surgery has become available in the
ACT for a small number of suitable patients. Like many weight loss strategies, this surgery
should be done in conjunction with positive lifestyle changes, including healthy eating and
regular exercise. It is not appropriate for all patients.
The Service has a clinical advisory committee that is using the following factors to consider
which patients to offer weight loss surgery. Note these criteria are only a guide, and all
patients are assessed on an individual basis. The factors are based on the best available
evidence to ensure the maximum value to the community from the limited number of
operations available at this time:
Obesity Management Service
Information for Patients
BMI ≥40kg/m2
Aged 18 – 60 years
Active involvement in an individualised Obesity Management Plan developed by the
Obesity Management Service for at least 6 months or longer.
Some weight loss, or weight stabilisation
Inability to lose sufficient weight for their BMI to be under 40
Presence of obesity related conditions that may be improved by weight loss surgery (e.g.
metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hypoventilation, polycystic ovarian
syndrome, weight bearing joint disease)
Factors against being referred for weight loss surgery include:
Prior weight loss surgery
An existing medical condition that could increase risk to health if weight loss surgery was
conducted (e.g. Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease, some other gastrointestinal diseases,
current cancer, cardiac or pulmonary disease, serious blood disorder)
People on necessary medical treatments that decrease the effectiveness of weight loss
surgery
Inability to maintain lifestyle changes required for weight loss surgery to be successful
If a patient is considered suitable for weight loss surgery, the following will occur:
Patients will be asked to meet with one of our doctors to discuss the option of surgery.
This discussion would involve an explanation of the surgery, risks and benefits and
potential wait time
If agreed to by the patient, the doctor will refer the patient to a weight loss surgeon.
The surgeon and the patient together will make the final decision on whether to go
ahead with the surgery.
The surgeon will arrange specific clinical care for three months before and three months
after the surgery
Three months after surgery the patient will be reviewed by the Obesity Management
Service for a new Obesity Management Plan if required, or Discharge from the Service.
Regardless of whether public-funded weight loss surgery is or is not recommended for you,
establishing healthy eating and lifestyle is the overall goal for all patients.
Obesity Management Service
Information for Patients
How can I be referred to the service?
The Obesity Management Service accepts patients who have been referred by their doctor.
Your doctor may refer you if:
You are over 18 years of age
You have a Body Mass Index (a measure of obesity) of 40kg /m2 or over
You have one or more other medical conditions
Where is the service based?
The OMS is based at the new Belconnen Community Health Centre, 56 Lathlain St (on the
corner of Lathlain and Wales Street), Belconnen, 2617. There is free 3 hour and disabled
parking underneath the health centre, enter off Wales St. It is Taxi Spot 54. If you require
assistance with transport, please discuss with the Obesity Management Service case
manager.
Contact details
Obesity Management Service phone: (02) 5124 1552.
Acknowledgement of Country
Canberra Health Services acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Ngunnawal people.
Canberra Health Services respects their continuing culture and connections to the land and the unique
contributions they make to the life of this area. Canberra Health Services also acknowledges and welcomes
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who are part of the community we serve.
Accessibility (how to get this information in other ways)
in larger print
or hear it in audio
please telephone (02) 5124 0000.
If you need translating and interpreting service – please telephone 131 450.
National Relay Service phone 133 677 then ask for 133 427.
For further accessibility information, visit: www.health.act.gov.au/accessibility
The ACT Government is committed to making its information, services, events and venues, accessible to as many
people as possible.
www.health.act.gov.au | Phone: 132281 | Publication No XXXXX
© Australian Capital Territory, Canberra xxxxxxx 2021
