Aims: 30% of South Western Sydney adult population is obese which is higher than the NSW average of 22.4%. Fairfield Diabetes Centre audit reports >50% of patients referred to diabetes center are classified as obese. The aim of this study is to understand if the patients were able to reach their SMART goals through our hub and spoke model of weight management service.
Method: Patients with BMI >35kg/m2 were enrolled in Fairfield Hospital Weight Management Service (FWMS) using existing resources (0.2FTE Endocrinologist, 0.2FTE dietician and 0.2FTE diabetes educator). Fairfield Physiotherapy department and Exercise Physiologist in Prariewood Leisure Centre offered structured exercise program. This allowed patients with diabetes and elevated BMI to have a service, more dedicated to help them lose weight. Since the establishment of this clinic 12 month ago, 38 patients had attended the service. 53% of whom were men.
Results and Discussion: Of the patients attending this clinic, 37% were in class I, 13% in class II and 39% in class III Obesity.
34% of patients were on Insulin therapy, 76% on GLPRA and 53% on SGLTi. In terms of their glycaemic control, 23% had a HbA1c between 6.0-7.9%, 55% between 8.0-9.9% and 22% above 10%.
34% were identified to have significant mental health issues and underwent mental health assessment. More than 50% scored high on depression score.
34% consented to undergo therapy with physiotherapist/Exercise physiologist. Most of them have not had attended any structured exercise program prior to their referral.
37% of patients had their individualized goals discussed during first consultation, this could be 5% weight loss, losing dress size or reducing insulin dose. 31% achieved their goal.
Conclusion: Despite having minimal resources, FWMS has shown to have an impact on patient’s health outcome and achieving their individual goals in comparison to their first consultation.