The general eligibility criteria for a fully funded program are:

• knee or hip osteoarthritis and a body mass index (BMI) ≥28

AND clinical need for either:

• 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

• 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

• 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.)