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Wellness Within Reach – WeightLoss Solutions Australia
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
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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
positive outcomes in people’s lives.” Registered Nurse, Caroline Henzell works with patients to provide answers to general questions, as well as specific queries about medication, dosage, side effects and their tailored treatments. “I’m available whenever patients need me at various touch points, including via phone, in person and via phone and email. While it’s a completely personalised program, people know they’re not on their own.” Caroline joined WLSA from a background working in Hospitals, detox units, a stint with the Queensland Police Service and as a School Nurse, specialising in drug and alcohol addiction. “My expertise is in helping people to overcome their difficulties to make a meaningful, long-term change in their habits. We are not here to judge. We understand that people have been stuck at home, maybe they’re anxious, lost their jobs, income affected and stressed. They might be eating cheap fast food and not getting out as much as they used to. “Most people come to us frustrated and exasperated. They’re ready to make changes, but they don’t have the tools. Once they realise there’s no quick fix, we can help them with the strategies to change their behaviours and work with them on a program that sets them up for success.” Isabella Maimone is one of five Dietitians at WLSA. She acknowledges there are so many barriers to weightloss. “Such as time, money, lack of resources and information. That’s where our guidance comes in.” Isabella, who has experience the challenges of balancing a healthy lifestyle, followed her own path to health and well-being through studying nutrition. “So many people have a history of yo-yo dieting, or crash dieting with supplements or starving themselves. That’s not the answer.” Working with patients on meal plans and diet, Isabella meets with patients every fortnight, interwoven with online modules and the app that lets consultants track a patient’s progress. There are also workshops, seminars and cooking events to equip patients with the skills they need to carry them through the various stages of their lives. “This holistic approach is vital,” she says. “We emphasise that people are much more than a number. Very often, people find themselves in a rut, whether that’s the result of a negative experience, hormonal changes, divorce, finances. They benefit from a team that’s on their side. “I love helping people change their lives – not just their image and selfconfidence, but also their quality of life. That’s the best reward.” Just in its first weeks, Felicity Cohen is heartened by the take-up of the 12 Weeks to Wellness Program. “Feedback has been very positive. Patients are finding it accessible, achievable, affordable and we are confident it leads to life-long, sustainable change.
