We all know that winter and comfort food tend to go together, yet we are swamped with weight-loss advice and Dr Google has 1,001 variations for losing weight. Then there are the influencers and the gurus who dispense strategies based on the simplicity of more exercise, less food. Most of us have tried unsustainable diets but a new weight loss clinic has arrived in Ascot, offering qualified medical advice and treatments focused on weight loss. It’s called Alevia.
Clare’s story is one that many people will relate to. Her clothes no longer fitted her.
“I knew how great I felt when my body was at a comfortable weight,” she said.
“I knew I needed some real help to find a way to not only lose the weight again but to keep it off for good.”
“I reached my goal weight within three months and have stayed within a 3-kg range for over 15 months which is the longest I have managed to maintain. I have regular checkups regarding my weight and health, as I am one of those people that need support to make sure I stay on track. Unfortunately, I am fighting my gene pool on this one and have had to accept that it will never be easy for me but I have also learned that it can be done, and it is ok to ask for help.”
The medical world knows that weight loss is not just about the aesthetic pleasure derived.
“As doctors who have treated patients with complex medical problems for many years, we know that many conditions are improved by weight loss,” says Dr Catherine Bacus MBBS,FRACGP of Alevia.
“Alevia sees a wide range of clients from 18 years of age to 80 years of age! The most common demographic being women aged 45-65 who may have medical conditions related to excess weight and has tried many lifestyle changes on her own before reaching out for medical assistance.”
At Alevia, an initial assessment with the clinic’s doctor includes a body composition analysis and then seeks to understand the causes of weight gain – including medical, biological, genetic and lifestyle factors.
Obesity is a largely genetic condition. Between 40% and 70% of an individual’s weight is due to genetics and overcoming a persons’ hunger hormones can assist with long term weight control.
During the initial assessment, the doctor will also discuss all the relevant treatment options.
Dr Christine Bacus, Alevia
Dr Bachus was kind enough to answer some questions about Alevia’s approach to medical weight loss, that many people would have.
What are your most common treatments?
The most common treatments we provide at Alevia Medical Weight Loss Clinic are Body composition analysis; provision of evidence-based diet plans and exercise plans; prescribing weight loss medications, where appropriate, to help with hunger and cravings; as well as referral to psychologists and bariatric surgeons, when needed. This broad range of treatments we provide allows us to cater to everyone’s unique needs to be able to provide the best possible treatment. Alevia is conveniently co-located in Ascot with Kieser strength and physiotherapy group and has both face-to-face and telehealth options available for clients to see their medical doctors and dietitians.
Is there any technology involved in your services?
We use state-of-the art body composition analysis to determine a person’s body fat, muscle mass, visceral fat and basal metabolic rate, which assists us in tailoring a weight-loss program to the individual’s needs.
When was Alevia born? When did your Ascot clinic open?
Alevia Medical Weight Loss began to serve patients living with excess weight in April 2018. Since then, Alevia has grown to serve patients in five locations across Australia, including Melbourne, Adelaide and now Brisbane.
The Alevia Ascot facility opened on the 10th of May 2023, enabling us to help more patients in Australia with trusted medical care for weight management.
Alevia’s clinic is at 1 Zillman Road in Hendra. Find out more at their website.
Alevia is a proud Sponsor of Ascot News in 2023.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied upon as such. Always seek the guidance of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional on any questions you may have about your health or any medical condition.
Published 20-June-2023