Frequently Asked Questions

Managing weight effectively begins with understanding the cause. There are many factors involved in weight gain including your genes, your physiology, your psychology and your lifestyle/environment

1. Genetics 40-70%
   • The genes you inherit from your family are the greatest factor in your weight. Genes not only determine your body type but also your weight set point – a weight which your body will try to defend
2. Physiology
   • Gut hormones such as ghrelin and leptin are involved in control of feelings of hunger and sensations of fullness. The circulating levels of these and many other hormones affect the amount of food you eat
3. Psychology
   • Mental health, emotions and stress can affect your hunger, appetite and weight
4. Lifestyle/Environment
   • Your surroundings including availability of energy dense and highly processed foods such as fast food can negatively affect your weight. Other lifestyle habits including television/screen time, outdoor activities, and the urban environment and infrastructure can contribute to your weight

Appointments can be booked online via hotdoc, or you can call OHWC on 02 5343 1919 or email info@ohwc.com.au for more information.

New patient – Initial consultation – approx. 60 mins

Subsequent consultations are time based

* Full amount payable on the day of your consult.
^ Booking/cancelation fee may apply

* Medicare rebates and eligibility are determined by Medicare – click here for more information.

* Telehealth consultation rebates are variable and rebates are generally only payable to those patients who have had a face-to-face consultation in the last 12 months. For more information please visit the Medicare website.

* rebates and out of pocket expenses are approximate and current as of January 2026.

Your first appointment is a comprehensive medical assessment and typically includes:

• Detailed weight and medical history
• Review of previous weight loss strategies
• Assessment of medications, lifestyle, sleep, and mental health factors
• Discussion of contributing biological factors
• Development of an individualised management plan

Blood tests are generally recommended if clinically appropriate.

Before your first appointment it is advisable that you talk to your GP and get a recent health summary and copy of recent investigations. Prior to your appointment, please fill in a new patient form available here or at the office and drop this and the health summary and investigation to the office a few days before your appointment so that the doctors and nurses can properly prepare for your consult.

Obesity is a chronic medical condition. Some patients require longer-term treatment to maintain benefits, similar to conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Treatment duration is reviewed regularly and adjusted as needed.

The frequency of reviews depends on many factors but generally it is useful to see the staff at OHWC fortnightly or monthly as you begin your healthy weight journey. Once you feel comfortable with the program the reviews will become less frequent.

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If you are having trouble logging into the My Weight Doctor Portal, please email info@ohwc.com.au and we will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible with a solution. Please note as the portal is managed by a 3rd Party this may take 2-5 business days to resolve.

Please include as much information as possible and screenshots when emailing.

Many people attending OHWC have tried multiple diets and programs without lasting success. Our approach recognises that biology, hormones, genetics, and medications all influence weight, and treatment is designed with these factors in mind.

Yes! Our bariatricians are specially trained in obesity medicine and the management of weight-related conditions. With each new patient we conduct a full medical assessment, consider your current medications and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation. We can also arrange case-conferences with your GP and treating team members to ensure continuity of care and that all your health care needs are being met.

Weight loss medications may be prescribed where appropriate, but they are not automatically recommended. Medication is only recommended if it is safe, evidence-based, and likely to provide benefit as part of a broader management plan.

No. OHWC does not promote restrictive or unrealistic diets. Instead, we focus on practical, sustainable nutrition strategies tailored to your preferences, lifestyle, and health needs.

Yes. OHWC can assess and manage weight regain following bariatric surgery using medical and lifestyle approaches where appropriate.

Some consultations may be partially Medicare-rebatable, depending on eligibility. All fees and expected costs are discussed transparently.

Yes. All care provided at OHWC is confidential and complies with Australian privacy legislation and professional medical standards.