Supporting clients for the long term

Healthy Weight Clinic — patient story

The multidisciplinary Healthy Weight Clinic team includes specialist endocrinologists, dietitians, exercise physiologists, physiotherapists, psychologists, bariatric surgeons and sleep medicine experts. And they are all dedicated to helping patients achieve a healthier lifestyle in the long term.

Saeid Yazdi, overweight for much of his adult life, knew he had to do something about his health when he started to feel dizzy and sleepy during the day.

“I needed to act, but I wanted a scientific approach,” explained Saeid. “I did a search and when I read about the Healthy Weight Clinic at MQ Health, I knew that this was where I wanted to go. I made an appointment and they were able to see me right away.”

After an initial assessment by Dr Veronica Preda’s endocrinology team for medical management and assessment of comorbidities – in particular diabetes for Saied – the focus was then on actually implementing diet and lifestyle changes.

“My approach is to work with my patients to make small changes that are personalised and sustainable and, importantly, don’t feel deprived,” explained Dr Juliana Chen, Accredited Practising Dietitian. “It’s a shift in focus to what we can eat rather than what we can’t eat.” Saeid also uses a diet app that enables him to log what he eats every day. Dr Chen can then see this data remotely and provide Saeid with feedback and keep him accountable.

Within days of starting his diet and lifestyle program, Saeid’s dizziness and sleepiness had dropped dramatically, and he had more energy.

“I think the Clinic is successful because its programs are practical, scientific and not hard to follow,” he said. “I can actually see the difference and am so happy with my appearance and how I feel. I’m now biking, walking and the gym, all things I couldn’t do before. I’m a happier person now."