Obesity is a chronic medical condition and is often oversimplified as a matter of diet, exercise or willpower; however, it is a complex chronic disease influenced by genetics, environment, socioeconomic factors, and mental health. Effective obesity management is therefore essential, and personalized care is intended to support long-term well-being. The goal of this program is to provide an individualized, patient-directed pathway to meet patients where they are at and best suit their needs.

Who can be referred to the program:

• Adults aged 18 or older.
• BMI of >27 kg/m2 with at least one obesity-related complication (diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), metabolic syndrome, etc.).
• BMI of >30 kg/m2 with increased waist circumference or extra weight around the waist.

What Patients can expect:

• Education about obesity, including how the body regulates weight and why weight loss can be challenging.
• Individualized care based on your health history, goals and lifestyle.
• Support for healthy eating that is realistic, flexible, and sustainable based on evidence-based information.
• Physical activity support tailored to your abilities and comfort level.
• Behavioural and emotional support to help build habits and address challenges.
• A focus on health goals – not just the scale. While weight may be monitored, the program emphasizes improvements in health and quality of life.
• Discussion on treatment, including medication options.
• Ongoing follow-up with adjustments to treatment plans as needed.

How the program works:

• Following a referral from your healthcare provider to the Obesity Management Program, you will be contacted to set up an hour-long initial appointment at the Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network office in Leduc.
• A link with an intake questionnaires will need to be filled out prior to your first appointment, as well as a link to a video to watch.
• You may be given a requisition to update labwork needed prior to your initial appointment.
• Following the initial appointment, there may be referrals to team members, such as Registered Dietitian, Registered Nurse, Behavioural Health Consultant, Social Worker and/or Exercise Specialist, based on your goals and needs.
• Ongoing support with follow-up as needed.

For a referral to the Obesity Management Program, talk to your primary care provider.