What to expect in a weight management clinic
When you decide the time is right for you to lose weight, you don’t have to go it alone. Every weight problem is different and individual but the common underlying factor is the balance between what you eat and how active you are. This service is here to help you regain control in a way which is most suitable for you.
Being overweight is linked with many problems; for example, keeping up with friends when you’re out, washing and dressing and generally being forced to slow down. There are also associated medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep problems, indigestion and joint pains. By losing weight you can improve your health and decrease the risk of these things happening.
Who are we?
We are a specialist weight management team comprising of a specialist nurse, specialist dietitian, psychologist, exercise instructor and GP. Currently, the clinic is being held at the Canalside Resource Centre in Five Locks Road, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran NP44 1AB. Tel: 01633 647480
What is the process?
You can be referred into the service by your GP, practice nurse or other health care professional. At your first appointment you will be assessed individually by the team members in order to gain some insight into your individual circumstance. The assessment will include a brief history of your weight, health, medication and lifestyle. We will also ask you about your current diet and activity levels. Finally, we will ask you about how you feel your weight is affecting your health.
What kind of treatments are offered?
Once we have established what the problems are we can help you in the most appropriate way. You will be attending the clinic (initially weekly for the first 12 weeks) to complete a six month programme within a group setting, with other people who are committed to losing weight, enabling you to share experiences and motivation. You will have support and information on ways to maintain your weight loss and then take part in a gentle programme of activity designed and monitored by a specialist exercise instructor. There are various things we can do to help you reduce food intake and increase physical activity:
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You may benefit from one to one discussion with the psychologist, dietician or specialist nurse.
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You may require ongoing support/advice from the exercise instructor who will tailor an activity programme to your individual requirements.
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You may be prescribed medication to help you with weight loss.
Remember, you are at the centre of a team committed to working to achieve the best possible results.