How the pharmacist helps
This service is for anyone who wants to lose weight or stay at a healthy weight, feels unsure where to begin, or would like someone to check in with along the way. In the consultation we:
- talk about your goals and your current routine
- give guidance on nutrition and portion control
- recommend suitable health products, only where they are needed
- help you set a plan you can realistically achieve
- keep you motivated and accountable as you go
The focus is on sustainable habits: steady change you can live with, not a crash diet.
More than food and exercise
The Department of Health notes that excess weight generally comes from taking in more energy than you use, yet many other factors play a part. Among them are genetics, medical conditions, mental health, shift work, time pressure and some medicines that increase appetite or slow the metabolism. Short sleep counts as well: people who sleep less than 6 hours a night are more likely to gain weight.
If you suspect one of your medicines is involved, raise it with us or your doctor, and keep taking it until you have had that advice.
Knowing your starting point
A healthy weight is different for everyone, depending on age, height, muscle and background. Two measures help:
- Body mass index (BMI): weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. For adults, a healthy BMI range is 18.5 to 24.9, though it is not a perfect measure and does not suit children.
- Waist measurement: the government lists at least 94 cm for men and 80 cm for women as an increased risk of chronic disease, with a greatly increased risk from 102 cm and 88 cm. These figures do not apply during pregnancy.
Making weight management in Abermain part of daily life
Australia's movement guidelines for adults aged 18 to 64 suggest moderate to vigorous activity for 30 minutes or more on most days, muscle strengthening on at least 2 days a week, fewer long stretches of sitting, and 7 to 9 hours of good quality sleep. Small, steady changes to meals and movement tend to be the ones people keep.
Living outside a capital city brings its own hurdles. Federal health advice points out that regional and rural Australians face higher prices and fewer choices for fresh produce. Its suggestions include buying fruit and vegetables in season from local growers, choosing frozen or canned ones when fresh are scarce, and reading labels to avoid added sugar, salt or saturated fat.
Weight questions
Why does a healthy weight matter?
Being overweight raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and more, and makes existing conditions harder to manage. Reaching a healthier weight is also linked with more energy and better quality of life.
Can I get other checks at the same time?
Yes. Excess weight and blood sugar are closely connected, so a quick diabetes monitoring screen can sit alongside your chat. A free blood pressure check is available too.
Should my GP be involved?
If you are worried about your weight or finding it hard to maintain, the government advises speaking with your doctor, and we can suggest when that is the right next step.
You will find related screenings among our health checks in Abermain.
Start with a quick chat
Pop in to Abermain Chemist on Cessnock Road whenever the store is open to get started, or ring beforehand to make sure someone can see you.