A NSW Government website
In NSW, obesity affects many adults and has wide-ranging impacts on health and quality of life. Obesity rates have risen steadily over the last few decades due to factors like reduced physical activity, increased sedentary behaviours and higher consumption of energy-dense food. Around 30 per cent of adults in NSW are classified as having obesity.
The RPA Metabolism & Obesity Service provides medical management, pre- and post-obesity surgery assessment and management, nutrition and lifestyle education through a range of coaching techniques and models of care, including:
| Online education seminar | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight Loss Surgery in Sydney Local Health District | A two-part series providing important information on the specific eligibility criteria and assessment process required before referral to this service. |
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Medications |
Learn about new medications for obesity management, their mechanisms of action and their expected effects on weight and health. |
External referrals are made when clinically appropriate.
The RPA Metabolism & Obesity Service is one of four facilities that refer patients to the Sydney Local Health District Bariatric Surgery Program at Concord Hospital. As part of this program, the RPA Metabolism & Obesity Service conducts pre-bariatric surgery assessment. This assessment begins upon a patient’s enrolment in our programs and continues through individual appointments and seminars until completion. Once finalised, the referral is sent to the Sydney Local Health District Bariatric Surgery Program.
Our programs focus on diet, exercise and lifestyle changes, which underpin the successful treatment of obesity. Other therapies include meal replacement programs, pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery.
Our meal replacement program is also known as the 'Rapid weight loss program'. It is delivered online in six 1-hour sessions, held every two weeks over a period of 12 weeks.
The program focuses on a very low-energy diet with meal replacement products, ensuring all essential vitamins and minerals are included. It is called rapid because following this program, you can lose 0.5-2kg per week. After 3 months, this is about 10-15 per cent of your body weight (that is 10-15kg if you weigh 100kg). This is considered fast weight loss.
Our healthy lifestyle for weight management program is also known as the 'Bodylines weight loss program'. It is delivered online in ten 1-hour sessions, held weekly over a period of 10-12 weeks.
Even if you follow a healthy diet, this program can help explore other factors affecting weight including eating behaviour, activity levels and your emotions. The program encourages challenging your behaviours to maximise long-term success. You can lose about 5 per cent of your body weight (that is 5kg if you weigh 100kg).
The RPA Metabolism & Obesity Service provides pre- and post-surgical assessment, management and long-term care for patients who had surgery in this program.
Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic condition that happens in around 1 in 15,000–25,000 births. It equally affects boys and girls of all backgrounds. Prader-Willi syndrome is caused by missing or inactive genes on chromosome 15.
| Key challenges include: | |
|---|---|
| Increased appetite (hyperphagia) | People with Prader-Willi syndrome have persistent hunger and an inability to feel full. This can lead to uncontrolled food-seeking behaviours and a high risk of obesity. |
| Metabolic and endocrine concerns | People with Prader-Willi syndrome have growth hormone deficiency, leading to short stature and reduced muscle, temperature and sleep regulation issues. They also have a slow metabolism, that even with controlled intake, increases the risk of obesity. |
| Behavioural and mental health challenges | People with Prader-Willi syndrome have emotional outbursts, temper tantrums and aggression when routines or food access are disrupted. There is also increased risk of anxiety, depression and compulsive behaviours. |
Our Prader-Willi Syndrome Clinic provides medical management, nutrition and lifestyle education, advocacy and support for people with Prader-Willi syndrome.
Dietary management is a very important component of care for those with Prader-Willi syndrome, as they require less energy (calories) than others their height. This is due to factors such as reduced muscle mass and lower levels of physical activity.
Our Healthy Lifestyle Clinic is a doctor-only clinic that focuses on lifestyle changes to improve metabolic health.
To be eligible, you need to be aged 17 years or older and either:
You will need a referral from a General Practitioner (GP) or medical specialist to access our services.
We see people who:
Referral criteria
This service is for people aged 17 years or older with BMI ≥50 kg/m2; or BMI ≥30 kg/m2 plus one of the following conditions:
| Endocrinologists | How to make a referral |
|---|---|
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Email: SLHD-RPAMOS@health.nsw.gov.au Referrals must include the following patient information:
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Please ensure the patient is willing and capable of engaging with an obesity service and understands they will be enrolled in online group programs in addition to individual appointments.
Referral criteria
This clinic is for adolescents and adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome and their parents or support providers.
| Endocrinologists | How to make a referral |
|---|---|
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Email: SLHD-RPAMOS@health.nsw.gov.au Referrals must include the following patient information:
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Please review our eligibility criteria before submitting a referral.
If your patient meets the criteria, referrals can be emailed to: Luigi.Fontana@health.nsw.gov.au
Referrals must include the following patient information:
| Adult weight management services in NSW and ACT |
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|---|---|
| Get Healthy Telephone and Information Service | A free, health coaching service for NSW residents aged 16 years and over. Health coaches support people in creating and achieving personalised healthy lifestyle goals relating to healthy eating, exercise, alcohol intake, weight gain and lifestyle changes during pregnancy. |
| Healthy Eating Active Living | Programs and tools for individuals, families and Aboriginal communities relating to healthy eating and lifestyle including mental health. It contains information across life stages, including pregnancy, infants, children and adults. |
| International Prader-Willi Syndrome Organisation | Supports and advocates for national PWS associations, as well as people with Prader-Willi Syndrome, their families and the professionals who work with them. |
| Prader Willi Syndrome Australia | Provides support and resources for people living with Prader-Willi Syndrome, their families, support workers and health professionals within Australia. |