Australia’s first family-centred obesity clinic has opened in Western Sydney.
The $1 million Nepean Family Obesity Service will educate and treat children and their parents.
A specialist team of doctors, paediatricians, dieticians, psychologists, physiotherapists, nurses, and midwives will help patients at the clinic.
Patients, including pregnant women, children and adults can be referred to the free service by their GP.
Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, social and cultural issues all play a part in maintaining a healthy weight, and the new service offers targeted interventions.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the service would help thousands of families in NSW break the cycle of obesity.
“This service is the first of its kind in Australia and offers families the medical and social support they need to maintain a healthy weight from one dedicated team,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Around one in five children are overweight or obese, and without intervention they risk developing the chronic disease later in life.”
The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) has partnered with the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network and the Charles Perkins Centre of The University of Sydney to deliver the service.