Weight-loss is just one of the many benefits of the innovative, new, personalised program from Weightloss Solutions Australia. The 12 Weeks to Wellness Program takes an holistic approach to weightloss and a life-long readjustment to nutrition, fitness, improving your relationship with your body. But despite being a conveniently compartmentalised program encompassing medication, nutrition, exercise and psychology, this is not a “one size fits all” package. “It’s a collaborative program that fills a gap in the market,” explains Felicity Cohen, CEO of Weightloss Solutions Australia. “In 2020, we’ve all struggled through ‘iso’, perhaps being more sedentary, coping with stress through indulgence and comfort food. In the 12 Weeks to Wellness Program, people from all walks of life will find practical and proven methods of addressing concerns and adopting different habits and strategies to build resilience and create a pathway to being healthy, fit and well.” For 20 years, Felicity Cohen and her team of health professionals at Weightloss Solutions Australia (WLSA) have pioneered a multifaceted approach to supporting clients on their path to well-being. At the start of October, Felicity and her team were honoured with three prestigious 2020 Stevie Awards for Women in Business: a Gold Stevie Award in the category of Female Entrepreneur of the Year and two Bronze Stevie Awards, the first for Female Entrepreneur of the Year in Asia, Australia or New Zealand and the second for Most Innovative Company of the Year. “Using our multi-disciplinary team support, we tailor a holistic plan to suit each person and ensure it’s effective and sustainable. We have GPs, RNs, Dietitians, Psychologists and Physical Therapists on our team – all involved in the process which creates new pathways to a total lifestyle and behavioural change. “People are more aware than ever before of the value of their health. We know being overweight is a risk that increases our chances of disease. “A massive amount of work has gone into the 12 Weeks to Wellness Program,” Felicity continues. “It’s not 46 / SUMMER 2021
just reliant on medicine, an operation, or a diet plan, it’s based on 360-degree, wraparound guidance and support towards a long-term outcome.” Best of all, it’s suitable for everybody and online modules and telehealth options mean people from all over Australia can access the expertise of the entire WLSA team. “It’s all about prevention, longevity and maintaining health, mobility and function,” says Felicity, whose own experience with ageing relatives motivated her to research and develop strategies patients can use to achieve and maintain health and well-being into later life. “The program suits everybody, from those wishing to regain stamina, return to fitness, shift 10kg to those wishing to make a total lifestyle change and drop 20kg or more.” The process begins with consultation with WLSA doctors. “We have two GPs on our team who assess patients on their eligibility for medication. There is an entirely new generation of medications that work to supress appetite and manage addiction, with very few side effects, allowing patients the space and time to work with
professionals and start a new way of life. Working with Nurses, Psychologists and Dietitians, patients are fully supported throughout their journey, with online modules, worksheets, meal plans and an interactive app, along with emails, regular phone calls and in person/ virtual appointments to keep on track. Leslie Hartley is one of the Psychologists involved in delivery of the 12 Weeks to Wellness Program. She says the aim is to “provide the necessary tools and support in helping patients improve their relationship with food and also with their bodies. They can gain valuable insights around issues and behaviours that may have negatively impacted their weight over time”. Leslie says her role is one of assessment, preparation, guidance and support - to get to know the patient, prepare them for the journey ahead and then to support them through that journey. “I try and give them a good understanding of what to expect and some tools to help them along the way in reaching their goals. As with all of our programs, patients have unlimited access to our support throughout their program. I love my job; it’s always very rewarding to constantly see such great results and
