With two in three Australian adults living with overweight or obesity, it’s no surprise that weight is a hot health topic. In fact, excess weight is now the leading risk factor contributing to ill health and premature death in Australia, ahead of smoking.
The good news? We now understand that obesity is a chronic medical condition – not a lack of willpower or a personal failing. It’s influenced by a complex mix of genetics, hormones, biology and the environment, which means that managing weight isn’t simply about “eating less and moving more”.
Why midlife changes everything
For most women, weight management can become more challenging during the 40s and 50s.
As oestrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, body fat is more likely to shift from the hips and thighs to the abdomen. This type of fat, known as visceral fat, surrounds the organs and is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
At the same time, women naturally lose muscle mass, which can slow metabolism. Sleep disturbances, changing appetite and reduced energy can also make it harder to maintain healthy habits.
The important thing to remember? These changes are part of normal physiology – not a personal failure.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution
Crash diets rarely deliver lasting results. Instead, experts recommend more personalised, long-term approach that combines healthy eating, regular physical activity, quality sleep, stress management and ongoing support.
For some people, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. Your GP or pharmacist can discuss the full range of evidence-based options and help you decide what’s appropriate for your health and goals.
Your pharmacist can help
Community pharmacists are among Australia’s most accessible healthcare professionals and can be a valuable part of your healthcare team.
They can measure your weight, waist circumference and blood pressure, discuss your health goals, identify risk factors and provide practical advice to support healthy lifestyle changes.
Some pharmacies, including TerryWhite Chemmart, also offer structured weight management programs that combine telehealth consultations, ongoing coaching, progress tracking and, wherever clinically appropriate, access to prescription medications as part of a comprehensive weight management plan.
The most successful weight management plans aren’t about strict diets that set you up for failure – they’re about finding realistic, sustainable strategies that work for you and supporting your health for the long term.
CARECLINIC CONSULT WITH WOMAN’S DAY
How to ditch the fad diets and lose weight sustainably.
I feel like I’ve tried every diet under the sun with no lasting success. Why is keeping weight off so hard?
If you feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle, you aren’t alone. Long-term weight management is more complex than simply “eating less and moving more”. Our biology, metabolism and hormones work against us when we try to cut calories drastically, which is why yo-yo dieting so often leads to burnout. results. Sustainable weight management isn’t about quick fixes or extreme fads – it’s about shifting toward realistic habits and working with your body rather than against it.
How can a pharmacist help when I feel like I’ve hit a plateau?
When you pop into the pharmacy, we can help you look beyond just the number on the scale, reviewing things like your medications (some of which can impact weight or metabolism), discussing practical strategies like incorporating convenient meal-replacement shakes to help manage portions and satiety, and helping you set trackable, achievable goals.
I hear a lot about medical weight loss – should I ASK about THAT?
The conversation has shifted in recent years. However, clinical treatments aren’t a standalone magic bullet – they still require a foundation of proper nutrition and lifestyle support to be truly effective. To help bridge that gap, our Weight Care Program, free through the TerryWhite Chemmart app when you have an eligible prescription, includes personalised content, helpful reminders and tools to help you stay on track. If you don’t have a prescription yet, our telehealth service offers same-day access to a doctor who can assess your health, recommend treatments and provide a medical weight loss prescription if eligible.
I’m ready to make some changes. Where is a good place to start?
The best place to start is by focusing on small, sustainable shifts rather than an overnight life overhaul. Whether it’s figuring out how to balance your nutrition, exploring the right products for your routine, or getting set up with our digital support tools, you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. We’re here to help you build a personalised, realistic plan that you can actually stick with for the long haul. We’re always here and ready for a chat.
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