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Complex Clinical Obesity Assessment Service

Management of overweight and obesity

  • What to expect in the Complex Clinical Obesity Assessment Service clinic 

    Before your appointment 

    Before your clinic visit, a member of our team will book a phone appointment with a parent or carer. This conversation helps us learn more about the young person’s health, development, daily routines, family circumstances and any concerns or goals that are important. It also gives families an opportunity to ask questions and prepare for the clinic appointment. 

    At your appointment

    Our goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the young person’s health, wellbeing, strengths and support needs. The clinic assessment may include:  
     

    Stage  What happens
    Getting to know you and your family  We spend time talking with the young person and their family or carers about health, daily life, challenges and goals. We aim to understand what matters most to them and how we can best support their wellbeing.  
    Health and growth assessment   We review general health, growth patterns, medical history, development and obesity related health concerns. This includes measuring weight and height. Every child and young person grows differently, so we look at growth patterns over time rather than a single measurement and consider family growth patterns and genetics.   
    Nutrition and lifestyle assessment  We explore eating patterns, feeding difficulties, physical activity, sleep and daily routines that influence health and wellbeing. We work together to identify practical and achievable strategies to improve health and wellbeing.  
    Emotional wellbeing and psychosocial supports  We recognise that emotional wellbeing, relationships, school, community participation and life experiences all play an important role in health. These areas may be discussed with the young person and/or their family or carers.  
     Additional investigations In some cases, blood tests or other health tests may be recommended to assess the young person’s health and identify or monitor any obesity related complications 

    Treatment and management options

    		We discuss evidenced based management options that are tailored to the young person’s individual needs and circumstances. This may include lifestyle-based support, community services, specialist referrals or medical treatments. We focus on practical, achievable steps that fit into family life.  
    Planning the next steps   We share recommendations with the young person, family or carers and their referring doctor. Where appropriate, we may help connect families with other services to support ongoing care.  


    Supporting your child or adolescent to improve their health

    When talking about growth and health with children and teenagers, it is important to focus on overall health, wellbeing, movement, nutrition and quality of life rather than body weight or size.

    Making small and achievable changes that support your child's health is more important than focusing on reaching a particular weight or body size. Every child is different, and what supports good health will look different for evert family. 

    Your role as a parent or carer matters

    For younger children, parents and carers are often the biggest motivators for change. For teenagers, it’s important to give them space to set their own health goals, while offering guidance and support.

    Creating a home environment that supports healthy habits

    Children learn from what they see and experience at home. The routines, foods and activities that are part of family life can help support your child's health and wellbeing. You can help by:

    • Encouraging active play, movement and activities that you child enjoys
    • Offering a variety of nutritious meals/snacks and limiting ultra processed foods where possible 
    • Making water readily available and limiting sugar sweetened drinks where possible 
    • Supporting healthy sleep routines 
    • Creating opportunities for connection and activities away from screens

    Setting realistic goals together

    Starting with small, achievable goals can help build confidence and make changes easier to maintain. If your child or teenager would like to make changes to support their health, work together to identify goals that are realistic, achievable and meaningful.

    For younger children, parents and carers can help identify simple changes that fit into family life. For older children and teenagers, support them to identify and set their own health goals, with guidance and encouragement from parents and carers.

    Most importantly, try to keep conversations focused on health, wellbeing and what your child can do rather than weight, body size or appearance.

    Accessing advice and support

    Your GP or paediatrician can be an important part of your child’s healthcare team. They can assess your child’s overall health and growth, provide ongoing support and help connect your family with local services when additional support is needed.

    We encourage families to speak with their GP or paediatrician about supports that may be available in the community. Depending on your child’s needs, this may include:

    Your GP can also discuss whether your child is eligible for Medicare funded services (such as a GP Chronic Disease Management Plan or Mental Health Treatment Plan).

    Questions to ask before booking an appointment 

    It's important to ask questions before booking an appointment, to make sure the service is a good fit for your child, teenager and family. You may like to ask:

    • What is your experience working with children or teenagers?
    • Do you have experience working with children or teenagers with disability, medical conditions or other complex health needs (if relevant)?
    • What is your approach to supporting children and teenagers experiencing obesity?
    • Do you have experience supporting the concerns that are important to my child or teenager (such as body image, eating habits, relationship with food, physical activity, depression, anxiety or emotional wellbeing)?