The general eligibility criteria for a fully funded program are:
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- knee or hip osteoarthritis and a body mass index (BMI) ≥28
AND clinical need for either:
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- conservative treatment - knee or hip symptoms that have (or are likely to in the foreseeable future) necessitated referral to an orthopaedic surgeon for evaluation, OR
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- preparing for surgery - a knee or hip joint replacement procedure is planned and weight loss, improved fitness and muscle strength prior to surgery is desirable OR
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- post surgery - an existing symptomatic knee or hip joint replacement that could benefit from weight loss, improved fitness and muscle strength.
Have a hospital policy with a participating health fund that has been held for at least 12 months*;
Approval from your medical practitioner to participate and willingness to maintain medical supervision for existing medical conditions.
Not previously participated in a Healthy Weight for Life program funded by your health fund and agree to provide your progress data to the HWFL team (including weight, waist circumference, joint symptom scores).
(*Health fund specific clinical, hospital policy, waiting periods and minimum age criteria may apply. Please contact the Healthy Weight for Life Team for further details.)
