Obesity
Obesity is a progressive chronic disease, which is characterized by abnormal or excessive adipose tissue that impairs health.
Obesity
Obesity is a progressive chronic disease, which is characterized by abnormal or excessive adipose tissue that impairs health.
About Obesity + Our Approach
At C-endo we are committed to providing exceptional overweight and obesity care that is comprehensive, evidence-based, and individualized. Our diverse team of experienced healthcare professionals support Albertans living with overweight or obesity by educating patients on the science of obesity, specifically identifying the complexity of the disease. Obesity is caused by complex factors, including the interaction of genetics, biological systems, and one’s environment. Our team strives to develop change-based relationships with patients diagnosed with overweight or obesity by focusing on understanding the patient and the patient’s individual situation, uncovering the patient’s personal reasons for change, asking permission to provide recommendations and education based on individual needs, and empowering the patient throughout their health journey. We acknowledge and support the obesity management paradigm shift, away from the previous “eat less, move more” concept, towards an inclusive, sustainable, comprehensive, life-long approach using tools such as cognitive behavioral therapy, patient education, and medical intervention to improve the health of those living with overweight or obesity. C-endo aligns with Obesity Canada in recognizing obesity as a progressive chronic disease, similar to diabetes or high blood pressure, characterized by abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health – not an issue of will power!
We acknowledge that Albertans living with overweight or obesity face widespread weight bias, which refers to negative attitudes and views about obesity and those living with overweight or obesity. This can result in significant consequences, such as feelings of shame and blame, anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, and body dissatisfaction which can perpetuate unhealthy weight control behaviour or practices. For additional information regarding weight bias, please visit Obesity Canada.
At C-endo, we continue to address obesity by investigating novel pharmacotherapies, developing, and evaluating sustainable obesity support programs, and promoting further education on the complexity of obesity within our community.
FOCUS Program
C-endo offers patient access to the FOCUS program. This program is intended for people who are challenged with the management of overweight and obesity and may have other related health concerns such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or mobility issues. C-endo developed this program as an opportunity for our team to work alongside patients living with overweight or obesity to navigate and support the PATIENT’S health goals. A lot has changed in the field of weight management over the past few years, and we know so much more about the science of overweight and obesity. We acknowledge how damaging weight stigma and weight bias are and the significant impact that stigmatization of weight has on overall health. Because of this, our program aims to shift the FOCUS away solely from weight loss, towards other health outcomes and overall well-being.
To participate in the program, patients must be referred to C-endo and receive consultation by one of our physicians and if they believe this individual may benefit greatly from working alongside and receiving specialized support from our highly skilled team, they will then facilitate an internal referral into the FOCUS program.
To ensure the sustainability of this program, there is a cost associated with participation. Should the program be cost prohibitive for a patient, C-endo does offer a compassionate care program. Further details of this program will be discussed upon enrolment into the program.
FOCUS FAQs
What is the time commitment for the program?
The FOCUS program consists of 7 visits with your care team over the course of 1 year. Your first and last visit will last about an hour and your other visits will last about 45 minutes. These visits may be in person or virtual but we do encourage you to come to at least your first visit in person.
Is there a cost to the program?
Visits are at a cost of $78.75 per visit or $472.50 for one year. We offer a free 15-minute introductory call with a FOCUS dietitian to ensure the program is the right fit for you.
Please note Alberta Health does not cover dietitian services. Many private insurance offer full or partial coverage for dietitian services.
Do you have compassionate care program?
If the cost of this program is a barrier to your participation, we offer a compassionate care access program.
Can I continue with the program after my one year is up?
We offer the option to extend the program to allow you to continue working with your team after the first year. These visits are at the same cost of $78.75 per visit.