If you’re reading this, you’re probably aware that losing excess weight is a good idea. But as anyone who’s struggled to maintain a healthy weight knows, it can be easier said than done.

If you’ve tried to lose weight in the past (or even if you haven’t), you may be feeling frustrated and/or overwhelmed, perhaps with some shame thrown into the mix.

The good news is we’re not here to judge – we’re here to help.

We help eligible UniHealth members* lose weight and improve their overall health by providing access to tailored support services. This could include:

• Nutrition plans – telephone support from a Teachers Healthcare Services Accredited Practising Dietitian. We create personalised nutrition plans to help you lose excess weight, manage any chronic condition(s) and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
  
  
• Osteoarthritis management – an 18-week program to help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. This includes a weight loss nutrition plan, appropriate exercise, pain management education and health professional support. The program aims to improve joint pain, stiffness and function of your affected joints. It can help you avoid or delay joint surgery, or it could improve your fitness for joint surgery if you and your doctor decide it’s your safest option.
  
  
• Mental wellness – telephone support from empathetic mental health professionals, personalised to your needs. This could include developing strategies to build resilience, manage anxiety and/or depression. Given the role nutrition and gut health can play in our mental health, the program includes phone consults with a Teachers Healthcare Services Accredited Practising Dietitian.

Accessing the programs

The eligibility criteria for these programs vary and are dependent on your personal situation. To learn more, get in touch via our contact form.

If you’re not eligible for a program through us, you may be able to claim towards certain weight loss programs through Extras cover (under the Healthy Lifestyle benefit).

*These programs are brought to members through Teachers Healthcare Services, an initiative of Teachers Health to support members’ health and wellbeing through quality, evidence-based health management programs and services. To be eligible for a program you must be a member of UniHealth and have Hospital cover with all relevant waiting periods served. Additional eligibility criteria may apply. Eligible members are connected with a dedicated Teachers Healthcare Services care coordinator who supports them on their personal journey.