Skip main navigation

New lower prices! Get up to 50% off 1000s of courses. 

Explore courses

How a health professional can help you

In this article, Dr Rachel Nelligan lists the health professional who can support people with osteoarthritis with weight management.
There are a range of health professionals who can support people with osteoarthritis to lose weight and/or maintain a healthy weight. These health professionals all play a different role in supporting weight management:

Health professionals for weight management: General practitioner (GP)/ family physician: can discuss weight loss strategies & prescribe medications to help with weight loss or recommend an accredited dietitian. It’s recommended you speak with your GP/family physician before starting a weight loss program. This is especially important if you have a pre-existing condition (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure) or take prescription medication. Physiotherapist: can work with you to tailor an exercise & physical activity plan to support your weight loss or weight management efforts that is also beneficial for your joint symptoms. Psychologist: can be helpful if you experience low mood because of your weight & weight loss journey. They can also help with strategies for making lifestyle changes like changing your diet or exercising more. Pharmacist: can give advice on buying weight loss products such as meal replacements & can provide advice on medications. Exercise physiologist: can work with you to develop an exercise & physical activity plan to suit your requirements. Dietitian: is a trained professional with the skills to provide expert nutritional advice. They can provide advice about healthy eating & dietary options that suit you, your medical history & your lifestyle. That can also support you to make changes to your lifestyle to assist with maintaining weight loss.

This article is from the free online

Taking Control of Your Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now