Why weight is complex
Weight is influenced by genetics, hormones, medicines, sleep, stress, mental health, income and environment, not just willpower.
A respectful, whole-person approach works best.
Weight and lifestyle, small steps, real change
Supportive, judgement-free care for weight, nutrition, activity, sleep and overall wellbeing at Morisset Doctors, with dietitian and exercise physiology referrals, care plans and medical options where appropriate.
We are a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice
Fees and eligibilityGP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card: children 15 and under, patients 65 and over with a pension or Health Care Card, and all other pension and Health Care Card holders.
Good to know before you book
01No judgement
Weight is influenced by genes, medicines, sleep, stress and environment.
Tap to see moreYour GP will focus on your health, not just a number.
Book nowBulk billed for eligible patients02Look beyond the scales
Waist size, blood pressure, sugar and fitness all matter.
Tap to see moreTests can be collected onsite.
Health checks03Allied health support
Dietitians and exercise physiologists can help.
Tap to see moreA care plan may give Medicare rebates.
Care plans04Book a long appointment
There is plenty to talk about.
Tap to see moreLet reception know.
Call (02) 4006 8222Find the care that fits
Choose a topic to see what is involved, what it costs, the questions people ask most, and how to book.
Where you are now
Health assessment
Your GP looks at your history, eating, activity, sleep, mood and medicines, and checks weight, waist, blood pressure and blood tests such as sugar, cholesterol, liver and thyroid.
Together you set realistic goals.
- 1Talk about your goals
- 2Measurements and tests
- 3Look for contributing factors
- 4Agree a plan
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
What waist size increases risk?
Generally above 94 cm for men and 80 cm for women, though it varies by background.
Could a medicine be affecting my weight?
Some can; your GP will review.
Practical nutrition
Eating well
The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend plenty of vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, lean proteins and dairy or alternatives, with fewer discretionary foods and sugary drinks.
A dietitian can tailor advice to your preferences, culture and budget.
- 1Small swaps
- 2Regular meals
- 3Mindful portions
- 4Dietitian referral
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Dietitians set their own fees.
Do I need a strict diet?
No; sustainable changes work best.
Can a dietitian help with diabetes?
Yes.
Activity that suits you
Moving more
Adults are advised to be active most days, aiming for 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate activity a week, plus strength exercise on two days.
Any movement is better than none; walking the lake foreshore counts.
- 1Start small
- 2Build gradually
- 3Add strength
- 4Track progress
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
I have joint pain. Can I exercise?
Yes, with the right activity; a physio or exercise physiologist can help.
Is walking enough?
It is a great start.
When lifestyle is not enough
Medical options
For some people, medicines or referral for bariatric surgery may be appropriate alongside lifestyle changes.
Your GP will discuss eligibility, benefits, side effects and costs.
- 1Discuss options
- 2Assess suitability
- 3Start and monitor
- 4Review regularly
What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.
Are weight loss medicines right for me?
Your GP will discuss whether they are suitable.
Can you refer for surgery?
Yes, if appropriate.
Understanding weight and lifestyle
Plain-language information to help you know what to expect and make informed decisions with your GP.
Health gains from small changes
Losing 5 to 10 percent of body weight, if you are above a healthy weight, can improve blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, joint pain and sleep apnoea.
Fitness and healthy habits matter even if weight does not change much.
Sleep and stress
Poor sleep and ongoing stress affect appetite hormones and energy. Regular sleep times, less screen time at night and stress management help.
Your GP can check for sleep apnoea.
Healthy plate and weekly activity
Tap a section of the plate to learn about each food group, based on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Then set your active minutes for each day to see how close you are to 150 minutes a week.
Tap the plate
Each section shows roughly how much of each food group to eat across a day.
0of 150 min
Small swaps that add up
Water first
Swap sugary drinks for water.
Half the plate
Fill with vegetables.
Walk and talk
Take calls on foot.
Screens off
An hour before bed.
Plan meals
Shop with a list.
Move with others
Join a local group.
Ready for support?
Book a long appointment to talk through your goals.
Book an appointmentMyth or fact?
Test what you know about weight and lifestyle. Choose an answer to reveal the explanation.
01
Weight is only about willpower.
Genes, medicines, sleep, stress and environment all play a role.
02
Small amounts of activity add up.
Any movement is better than none.
03
Losing 5 to 10 percent of body weight can improve health, if above a healthy weight.
It can improve blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol.
0 of 3 answered
Evidence, sources and advertising standards
Information on this page is general, evidence-based and drawn from Australian health authorities and professional guidelines, including:
Morisset Doctors advertises its services in line with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and AHPRA's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. We do not use testimonials, offer inducements, or make claims about outcomes. Individual results and experiences vary. Please talk to your GP about your own situation.
The numbers worth knowing
2.5–5Hours a week
Moderate activity for adults.
0Days a week
Strength exercises.
0+Serves
Vegetables a day for most adults.
7–9Hours
Sleep for most adults.
Everyone involved, around you
Your care can involve more than one person. Choose a part of the care team to see how it fits together.
Youat the centre of your care
Weight and lifestyle at every stage
Assessment and goals.
Food and movement.
Medical options and review.
Who can help
Every GP at Morisset Doctors can help with weight and lifestyle. These team members list it among their interests.
GP FellowDr Mofada HadiBook now
Chronic and complex care, geriatrics, mental health, skin cancer medicine and women's health.
Book now
GP and directorDr Ali ZubaidyBook now
Skin checks and procedures, geriatric medicine, paediatrics, chronic conditions and men's health.
Book now
GP registrarDr Prishantha SirisenaBook now
Women's health, paediatrics, geriatric medicine and chronic disease. Taking new patients.
Book now
General practitionerDr Alice NajjarBook now
Women's health, children's health, pregnancy care and preventive care. Taking new patients.
Book now
General practitionerDr Christina YeongBook now
Holistic, evidence-based care with an international perspective, for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Book nowMake the most of your appointment
A little preparation gives you and your doctor more time for what matters. Your doctor will explain the options, benefits and risks, and only examine with your consent.
What to bring0 of 6 ready
Your health, your choice
Book online at any hour, or call reception from 8:00am, Monday to Friday. New patients welcome.
Weight and lifestyle questions, answered
If yours is not here, call (02) 4006 8222 and reception will help.
Is weight management bulk billed?
Consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients.
Can I see a dietitian?
Yes, by referral.
Do you prescribe weight loss medicines?
Your GP will discuss whether medicine is suitable for you.
Will I be weighed?
Only with your agreement.
Can a care plan help?
It may give rebates for allied health.
Do you help with sleep?
Yes.
