Intensiv is a medically supervised intensive weight loss program, with the aim of ensuring maximal weight loss and reducing the medical complexities associated with obesity.
With its focus on a defined end point, Intensiv is uniquely positioned to ensure patient compliance, offer substantial and safe weight loss, and improve patient outcomes. The programs consist of regular visits to the Intensiv clinic for consultations with our multidisciplinary medical and allied health team. At Intensiv our aim is to provide a very accessible service with a flexible program to meet the unique needs of the patient.
Recent guidelines from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommend the use of Very Low Energy Diet (VLED) products as a weight loss strategy (10). When a normal meal is replaced with a nutritionally complete meal replacement VLED such as KicStartTM, the body receives the protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements it needs while restricting the total number of carbohydrate and kilojoules (calories) consumed (11). A short term intensive treatment with a VLED has been shown to produce rapid weight loss, improve health outcomes, and is associated with good adherence to treatment (12-15). On average 2-5kg is typically lost during the first week and thereafter weight loss averages 1.5-2.5kg per week (with even greater losses among heavier people).
KicStartTM VLED meals are found in the form of milkshakes and soups. Patients will need to replace 2-3 meals each day for the duration of the program. Only one serve (one sachet of milkshake or soup) is used to replace each meal. To reduce hunger, help manage the desire for snacks and boost daily fibre level patients will be allowed to include some "free foods" into their diet during the day following direction from the Dietitian.
Prescription medicine may help some adults with excess body weight (body mass index [BMI] ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems, or obesity (BMI ≥30), lose weight and keep the weight off.
Minimally invasive procedures can restrict or reduce the size of the gastric reservoir, inducing early and prolonged satiety.
If you are overweight or obese and require surgery it is likely that your surgeon will recommend that you lose weight. This can be conducted through a structured pre-operative weight loss program.
Specialised Fertility programs are offered to patients who need to lose weight before fertility treatment (e.g. IVF), with an appropriate referral from a Fertility Specialist.
The right option for you will be based on your Body Mass Index (BMI), medical history, and individual lifestyle and circumstances.
Patients will sign a consent form before commencing the Intensiv program. Through the program the staff will assess diet and rate of weight loss, as well undertake anthropometric and body composition measurements, and biochemistry analyses (blood test) at the start and end of the program. Patients will be telephoned by one of the above staff regularly throughout the program to provide support and check progress. At the completion of the program, a report of participation and results will be generated and sent to the patient's medical team (e.g. referring surgeon/specialist, anaesthetist or GP).
Regional patients can complete the Intensiv programs remotely (i.e. via phone consultations).