Initial Weight Loss Consultation

Here at Webdoctor, our GPs have a special interest in weight management and can help you with a personalised approach to weight loss, tailored to your individual needs. 

Please note this is a medical weight management service. It is only suitable for patients that are medically obese. If you feel you need to lose ‘a little weight’ this service is not suitable for you.

It is essential to ensure a holistic approach to weight loss – there are many factors involved.

A calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity are central to all weight loss plans. 

It is important to set realistic goals, and good to involve friends and family.

Psychological support from a trained healthcare professional can change your relationship with food and eating. 

If additional support is needed, approved weight loss medications may be helpful as part of a weight loss plan. Weight loss medications now come in both oral and self-injectable forms. 

Speak with one of our experienced GPs from the comfort of your own home with our GP weight management video consultations. Simply fill in your details and choose a time that suits you.

STEP 1 - Online Questionnaire

Complete a simple, secure online questionnaire to allow us to provide the best possible care.

STEP 2 - Pick Your Time

Choose from a range of 25-minute appointment times, including evenings and weekends. If our doctor requires further clinical information to help safely assess your request, they will send you a message via your secure patient account.

STEP 3 - Speak With a Doctor

Receive tailored medical advice and treatment plans to help you to achieve your specific weight loss goals.

You will have access to our library of weight management resources to help you get the most from your plan. This includes:

• Detailed information on the specific treatments we prescribe.
• Hints and tips on how to cope with potential side effects.
• Lifestyle webinars – simple, clear information on important lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress, diet and exercise.
• Carefully selected referral websites that provide patient education and support.
• Ongoing patient support via our doctor messaging service through your secure patient account. 

STEP 4 - Follow Up With a Doctor

It's very important that your progress is monitored by a GP to ensure your action plan is working for you. If you’ve been prescribed a weight loss medication, you will be required to book a 10-minute follow up with a GP after 12 weeks to ensure your targets are met and that it is suitable for you to continue the medication.

This service is suitable for you if you:

• Are 18 years of age or older.
• Have a BMI of 30 or more.
• Have a BMI between 28 to 30 AND a diagnosis of a weight-related disorder such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or obstructive sleep apnoea.

Weight loss medication should only be used as part of a weight management programme. This means using the medication, as well as adopting a balanced (hypocaloric) diet and taking regular exercise. Psychological motivation/support can be very helpful as part of this, as lifestyle changes are essential to ongoing better healthy weight.

This service is NOT suitable for you if you:

• Are younger than 18 years of age.
• Your BMI is less than 28.
• Are pregnant/ possibly pregnant or trying to conceive.
• Are breastfeeding.
• Have a past history of an eating disorder.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines overweight and obesity as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health”. It is a complex, progressive and chronic disease that affects males and females of all ages. Obesity is now recognised as a chronic disease.

Ireland has one of the highest levels of obesity in Europe, with an estimated 60% of adults being overweight or obese, and this trend is set to continue.

The most widely used method of checking if you are a healthy weight is body mass index (BMI).

It is a measurement to check if you are a healthy weight for your height. It is not an accurate measure of body fat in everyone, but it is a useful guide that is easy to calculate.

A Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 25 is considered overweight and over 30 is considered obese. Weight that is carried around the midriff from middle age on is considered the more unhealthy form. Please view this image below for more information:

Find out using our BMI calculator HERE.

It is important to be aware that there is no quick fix. For best results, and long term maintenance a holistic approach is essential. It requires lifestyle and behavioural modifications, as well as commitment and organisation! 

If you are overweight the hormones that regulate your appetite change. It is very ironic that if  you then lose weight, these changes encourage weight gain! They slow down your metabolism and make you feel hungry making the entire process even harder. 

Being overweight or obese is associated with low mood and depression. It can also contribute to low self-esteem and cause relationship difficulties with family, partners and friends.