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Referral Criteria

Individuals being referred to the Weight Wise Adult Weight Management Clinic (AWMC) must have a family physician and are required to be referred by a physician. Referrals must be faxed to 780-735-3553.

Criteria

  1. BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 Health Canada BMI calculator
  2. Edmonton Obesity Staging System stage 2,3, or 4 EOSS tool 
  3. Prior treatment completed
    • Patient DOES NOT have UNTREATED: severe personality disorder, active psychosis, active substance dependencies, and/or major cognitive impairment.
    • Patient has the ability to attend a MINIMUM of 10 Clinic appointments in a 9 month period.
    • Patient has completed a MINIMUM of 6 months PRIMARY CARE weight management intervention including: 
      • Completion of Weight Wise Group Education Modules and Craving Change description and tracker (Minimum 4 mandatory - Module One plus any 3 other modules) 
      • Lifestyle journaling including daily food journal*
      • Nutritional counseling
      • Patient using pedometer and physical activity / walking program initiated
      • Primary Care mental health screening completed and treatment initiated as required  

*Evidence suggests that people who practice lifestyle journaling experience more success with weight management. Patients must be journaling prior to their initial clinic assessment as the journal will be reviewed during the assessment. Consistent journaling also shows that the patient is ready and committed to participate in weight management interventions.

Self-management resources (Edmonton zone) for self-referral

  • Weight Wise Group Education Modules and Craving Change description and tracker
    Interactive classes approximately two hours in length that provide people with weight management strategies and how to initiate treatment in managing their obesity. There are seven modules developed by the Weight Wise program, plus the Craving Change™ three-session psycho-educational workshop. Anyone who may benefit from learning about weight management may attend these group education classes, but they are designed specifically for people with obesity.
  • Live Better Every Day
    A series of six free, community-based sessions where people can learn, listen and share with their peers about how to get the most out of life while coping with long-term health conditions.
  • Weight Wise Community Network
    Businesses and groups who have met strict eligibility criteria that offer programs and services designed to help people eat healthy, get more physically active and develop personalized plans for better health. 

Provider support

  • The Weight Wise Community team of health professionals is available to answer questions about weight management and the Weight Wise program:

    Please call the Weight Wise provider support line at 780-735-1078

Additional resources