During perimenopause and menopause, hormone shifts, age related muscle loss, sleep changes and stress can all affect weight. Your body may store more fat around the middle and respond differently to food and movement. A Weight Management & Support appointment helps you understand these changes and plan realistic steps forward.

In a Weight Management & Support appointment, your GP asks about your health, lifestyle, weight history and goals. They may check blood pressure, review medicines and discuss blood tests or other checks. Together you explore food, movement, sleep and stress, then agree on a practical plan and follow up schedule.

Many people can improve their weight and health markers in menopause with steady, realistic changes. We focus on balanced eating, gentle increases in activity and strengthening muscle, rather than extreme diets. Your GP will help set safe expectations and remind you that progress can include better energy, sleep and lab results, not only kilograms.

You do not need to follow a strict or fad diet to benefit from Weight Management & Support. Instead, your GP will talk about patterns of eating, hunger, fullness and enjoyment of food. Together you can adapt your current diet to better support your health and culture, often with gradual, sustainable changes.

Your weight is just one part of your health picture. We also look at blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, sleep, mood, joint health and family history. This helps us create a plan that supports your overall wellbeing and reduces longer term risks, rather than focusing only on the number on the scale.

 In midlife, a mix of movement is helpful, including walking or other aerobic activity, plus strength training to protect muscle and bone. Your GP will ask what you enjoy, what is realistic with your schedule and any injuries, then suggest small changes or referrals to an exercise physiologist if needed.

Yes. Emotional eating is common during perimenopause and menopause, especially with stress, fatigue and mood changes. In appointments, we explore your triggers with care, talk about alternative coping strategies and may suggest counselling or group programs. The aim is to support your relationship with food, not judge it.

You do not need tests before booking. At your appointment, your GP may suggest blood tests or other checks to look at diabetes risk, cholesterol, thyroid function or other conditions that can affect weight. Any test is explained first and you decide together what makes sense for you.

Follow up depends on your goals, health and how much support feels helpful. Some people like to check in every few weeks at first, then spread visits out once they feel more confident. Your GP will suggest a plan and you can change it over time based on what works for you.

Weight Management & Support is billed as a GP consultation, often a long appointment so there is time to talk. Medicare rebates are available for eligible patients, and out of pocket costs depend on our clinic fees and appointment length. For up to date fee details, please see our Fees page or contact reception.