WHY CHOOSE A HEALTHY WEIGHT FOR LIFE?
Carrying extra weight can really take a toll on our bodies – both physically and mentally. If you’re reading this, it’s because you know a change will be good for your body and mind, and you’re open to exploring that first step towards better overall health and wellbeing.
Help is on hand from our partner Prima Health Solutions with its evidence-based Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life program, as free support for eligible HCF members with hospital cover who meet the program's eligibility criteria below.
By getting in touch with the Healthy Weight for Life team about improving your health, you can get back to doing more of the things you enjoy.
FEEL THE BENEFITS OF HEALTHY HABITS
FIND THE RIGHT SUPPORT FOR YOU
BETTER HEALTH TO HELP MANAGE PAIN
The Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life program is designed for people suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee and hip joints.
The program aims to support HCF members who want to reduce the pain in their joints, improve their mobility or prepare for hip or knee surgery.
From the comfort of your own home, you’ll get access to:
- a dedicated team of health experts
- nutritional and lifestyle support to assist with weight management
- strength and mobility progress tracking
- digital week-by-week guides
- strengthening exercise videos and education.
The Osteoarthritis Management program is open to HCF members who've held HCF hospital cover for 12 months and hospital cover for joint replacement surgery for a minimum of 2 months. They must also have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28 and higher, knee or hip osteoarthritis and are considering joint replacement surgery.
GET ADVICE ON YOUR NEXT STEPS
We’re with you every step of the way on your wellbeing journey - whenever you’re ready to start.
- Go to Healthy Weight for Life.
- Register your interest with Healthy Weight for Life and find out if you're eligible to participate. You’ll then receive an email with a form for your GP and the Healthy Weight for Life team will contact you in a few days to chat through the program and answer any questions you may have.
You can reach out to the team at any time. Call them on 1800 226 180 or email info@primahealth.com.au.
HEAR FROM OUR MEMBERS
"I was extremely satisfied with the program because it was firstly approved of by my doctor, supported by my health fund and easy to follow with ready help on the phone if I had any questions. I never felt I was on my own. I had every confidence in the program and it worked."
Helen, HCF Member
GET GOING, KEEP GOING WITH THE HCF HEALTHFUL APP
Our new health and wellbeing app, HCF Healthful makes managing your health feel doable, no matter where or when your journey begins.
A personalised Health Score gives you a holistic snapshot of your health, so you know what areas of your wellbeing need more focus.
Track your health and wellbeing in real-time by completing healthful activities, goals and achievements that have been customised to your key improvement areas with the guidance of a 24/7 smart coach.
So, if you’re ready to get going, and keep going, download HCF Healthful from the App Store or Google Play.
READ MORE ABOUT YOUR WELLBEING
UNDERSTANDING FOOD LABELS
Understanding the labels on packaged food is important. Here are some ways to increase your nutritional know-how and shop smarter.
CAN YOU REVERSE PRE-DIABETES?
Lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of people with pre-diabetes developing type 2 diabetes. Find out what to do.
WALKING VS. RUNNING
Cardio is one of the best things you can do for your health - walking and running are great options. Here are the main benefits.
LIVING WITH A CHRONIC DISEASE
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness can be an emotional and challenging time, but your mindset can have an impact on how you cope.
FAQS: HEALTHY WEIGHT FOR LIFE
IS THIS PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY MEDICAL EVIDENCE?
The Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life program is supported by medical evidence and results have been published in international medical journals. The program is designed to kickstart your weight loss, reduce the pain in your joints, improve your mobility or prepare you for hip or knee surgery. It's not about vigorous exercise, going hungry or attending meetings.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M ELIGIBLE?
You may qualify for the Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life program if you:
- have held HCF hospital cover for at least 12 months
- have had hospital cover for joint replacement surgery for a minimum of 2 months
- have a BMI of 28 and over
- have GP approval
- are aged 18 and over
- are willing to provide your progress data throughout the program (including weight, waist circumference and pain score levels, among other clinical indicators) to Prima Health Solutions
- have no allergies or intolerances to KicStart meal replacements
- are not pregnant or breastfeeding, or intending to become pregnant during the 18-week program
- have not participated in any Healthy Weight for Life program with us before
- have not been enrolled in the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet 16 Week program in the last 6 months.
DOES THIS AFFECT MY HEALTH COVER COSTS?
Taking part is absolutely your choice and if you’re eligible, it won’t affect your premium or health cover in any way at all.
HOW SHOULD MY DOCTOR SUPPORT ME WITH THE PROGRAM?
The program supports the care and advice provided by your own healthcare team so you will need their medical clearance to participate. The specific GP Approval Form for this purpose will be emailed to you upon enrolment. If you take regular medications, you may need to attend regular check-ups so your healthcare team can stay up to date with your progress and adjust dosages if needed.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
The program is run by Prima Health Solutions Pty Ltd (Prima). You will be requested to register through the Prima website to enrol in the program, which will collect some personal information (including health and other sensitive information) about you.
HOW IS MY PRIVACY AND HEALTH DATA PROTECTED?
The personal information that you provide to Prima is used and disclosed only for the purpose of confirming your eligibility and delivering and evaluating the program. If you don't provide this information, Prima may not be able to provide you with the services which form the program.
As part of the enrolment process, HCF will disclose your personal information to Prima to the extent necessary to confirm the validity of your membership with us.
Prima won't disclose your personal information to HCF other than your name and date of participation with Healthy Weight for Life in order to allow HCF to evaluate the service. With your permission Prima may disclose your personal information to your regular doctor or other healthcare provider.
For more information, go to: HCF Privacy Policy or PRIMA Privacy Policy.
