Medical Weight Loss Canberra
Medical weight loss at our clinic in Phillip
Medical weight loss is weight care led by your doctor. It looks at your whole health, not just the number on the scales.
Your plan may include medication, changes to eating and activity, and support with habits. Regular reviews mean your doctor can adjust it as you go.
Who medical weight loss may suit
A higher BMI. Your BMI is above the healthy range, or your weight is starting to affect your health. Check your BMI.
A weight-related condition. You're managing a condition such as type 2 diabetes, PCOS, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea, where losing weight may help.
Diets that haven't lasted. You've tried diets before, but the weight didn't shift or came back.
Preparing for treatment or surgery. Losing weight can be part of preparing for fertility treatment or a surgery. See Weight Loss for Infertility and Weight Loss for Orthopaedic Surgery.
What your plan can include
No two plans are the same. Yours is built from the parts that fit you.
Medication
Medication may help with appetite and feeling full. It's used alongside changes to eating and activity, and only if it's suitable for you.
Eating changes
Realistic changes that fit your routine and the foods you enjoy, not a strict diet. A dietitian can join your care if that would help.
Activity
Manageable changes that suit your health, fitness and time. An exercise physiologist can help if you'd like more support.
Habits and mindset
Support with eating patterns and stress, which can make change harder. Your doctor can refer you to a psychologist if that would help.
Your other health conditions
As your weight changes, your doctor reviews your blood pressure, blood sugar and medicines, and adjusts treatment if needed.
Staying safe, and keeping it going
Your doctor checks in with you regularly to keep your treatment safe. At each review, you’ll go over your progress and any side effects together. You may also have blood tests from time to time. If part of your plan isn’t right for you, it’s adjusted or stopped.
Over the longer term, reviews continue for as long as they’re useful to you. Your doctor will support you to hold on to the progress you’ve made.
Dr Sharmila Sambandam
MBBS, BMedSci, FRACGP · PG Diploma (Obesity Management)
Dr Sharmila Sambandam is the Clinical Director of Olika Medical Weight Loss Clinic. She is a Canberra based Bariatric Physician.
Dr Sambandam studied medicine at ANU and has extensive experience in obesity and weight management. She blends her expertise as a GP with her specialist interest in preventative medicine and weight loss, to bring a unique model of care to her patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I've tried lots of diets before?
That’s very common. Weight is shaped by hormones, metabolism and other things a diet alone may not address. Your doctor will look at what may be making it hard for you and plan around that.
How is this different from a diet program or app?
Medical weight loss is led by a doctor and starts with your health. Your doctor reviews your history, medicines and orders blood tests, then builds a plan around what they find. It can include medication where suitable, and your doctor adjusts the plan as your body responds.
Can I start if I have diabetes or another health condition?
Yes. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or PCOS are taken into account in your plan. Your doctor will also review your medicines as your weight changes, as some may need adjusting.
Is it suitable if I'm pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy?
Let your doctor know. Weight loss medicines aren’t usually used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and some need to be stopped before trying to conceive. Your doctor can still support you with eating, activity and habits. If you’re planning fertility treatment, see Weight Loss for Infertility.
What happens if I stop medication?
Talk to your doctor before you stop. Appetite can return when medication stops, and some weight may come back. Your doctor can plan how to stop and help you keep up the changes you’ve made.
What happens once I reach my goal?
Your doctor will talk with you about what comes next. That may mean fewer reviews, changing or stopping medication, and keeping up the habits that work for you. You can keep seeing your doctor for as long as it helps.
Can I keep seeing my own dietitian?
Yes. With your consent, your doctor can work with your dietitian and share relevant information.
Will my regular GP be kept informed?
Yes, if you’d like. With your consent, your doctor can send updates to your regular GP, so your other care stays joined up.
Talk to a doctor about your weight
Book a consultation at our clinic in Phillip, Canberra. No referral needed.