About us
How did it all start?
In 2015 as a newly trained endocrinologist eager to make a mark in the field, I was offered my dream job at the Princess Alexandra Hospital as a Staff Specialist. However, this job came with a great challenge - leading the complex obesity service and establishing a publicly funded equitable statewide bariatric surgery service.
Over the following 8 years as the clinical lead, my interest in obesity medicine grew and I became passionate about helping people with weight problems. I gained a great insight into the biology and pathophysiology of this complex disease and soon it became apparent to me that the fix is not as simple as the conventional advice of “eat less and exercise more”.
During this time, I became more aware of the stigma surrounding weight in our society and the discrimination faced by people with the weight problem. Despite significant scientific advancement, availability of highly effective drugs, and bariatric surgery, rates of obesity around the globe in adults as well as children are rapidly rising.
Driven by a desire to make a difference, I assembled a team of highly experienced and passionate Obesity Specialists in the fields of nursing, dietetics, psychology and exercise to form QSWLC with a goal to provide holistic, personalised and evidence-based weight loss solutions in a stigma-free and supportive environment.
Why our program?
The discovery of science-backed weight loss medications has given medical professionals and individuals hope to achieve adequate weight loss and improve many weight related complications.
Although highly effective, these medications need to be used in conjunction with lifestyle measures to achieve the optimal results. Studies have shown the majority of weight loss achieved using these medications is regained within a relatively short period once these medications are stopped. Indicating lifelong use of these medications is required to sustain weight loss.
Also, a significant proportion of the weight loss achieved through these medications is due to the loss of muscle mass. Hence, regular dietitian review to ensure adequate protein intake, balanced diet combined with an exercise program are of utmost importance.
Adequate supervision is necessary to monitor for any drug related side effects, vitamin and mineral deficiency and dose-adjustment of other medications during rapid weight loss.
The demand for weight loss medications drugs has exploded in popularity in recent times after their significant weight-loss effects were popularised by celebrities and influencers on social media. As a result, there is an emerging trend for telehealth providers to offer compounded injectable like products despite strong warnings by the TGA and FDA against their use due to the significant safety concerns. These compounded medications are not evaluated for safety, quality or efficacy.
In our programs, we focus on lifestyle modifications and use these medications when necessary, as tools to aid weight loss, and assist individuals to develop healthier dietary and lifestyle habits that are sustainable.
