The below content is shared thanks to our partner Juniper.
Australian women are more overworked and time pressured than ever.
We’re doing the lion’s share of unpaid work, keeping mental checks on just about everything, maintaining demanding careers, and upholding social lives (and the social lives of our kids and families) in between.
It’s little wonder then, that women are also on the backfoot with their health and wellbeing, with studies pointing to a worrying trend of many women foregoing critical medical appointments. Research last year from the Kaiser Family Foundation for instance, showed more women bypassed health care services than men and consequently suffered worsening health conditions during the pandemic.
But it’s not just overwhelming mental load and busyness that’s the barrier.
Another alarming study recently conducted by Juniper suggests women put their health on the backburner over fear of judgement. Indeed, 52 percent of the female respondents reported feeling judged about their weight by their healthcare professional, with a staggering 79 percent of them also citing their reluctance to seek medical advice to avoid judgement—not only for their weight, but other health concerns as a result.
“It takes an individual around nine years to act on seeing a health care professional for weight loss in Australia, compared with six years in other countries,” says Endocrinologist, Dr Ramy Bishay. “We have a long way to go to remove barriers to receiving medical weight loss treatment”.
It’s why telehealth has become such an important part in new healthcare delivery, easing anxiety for patients and enabling modern, hassle-free and judgement-free pathways for care.
An innovative approach to weight management and treatment for instance is being taken up by thousands of Australian women seeking a healthier lifestyle.
Juniper aims to stamp out fad weight loss gimmicks like “skinny teas”, restrictive diets and supplements designed to exploit time-poor individuals, by offering patients a medically backed weight management consultation and treatment from the comfort of their home.
Those who assume that doctors won’t be able to show them better, more effective alternatives, (outside of diet and exercise plans) are surprised and relieved that support exists.
Stacy, a 38-year-old teacher from Parkes who lost 22 kilograms through the treatment says she feels better than she has in years.
“I’ve gone from always thinking about food, to feeling like a normal person,” she says.
Struggling with weight fluctuations since adolescence, Stacy notes that after having children she’d gradually put the weight back on without being able to lose it. This was exacerbated during the pandemic, when she was forced to be inside for much of the day.
But since seeking medical support, she’s been able to reset her metabolism and lose weight sustainably.
“My brain always used to think about what I’m going to eat next. Juniper helped me think clearly about my eating,” she shares. “Food is just fuel for me now”.
Delivered via secure telehealth consultations with a team of specialist doctors and allied health professionals, the Juniper Weight Reset Program takes a holistic approach to weight loss. Prescription medication clinically proven to help reduce hunger, curb cravings and improve metabolic function is coupled with health coaching, exercise and nutrition advice from dietitians, and support from an online community of women sharing a similar journey.
Stacy notes the convenience of the program and being able to order the treatment and get ongoing support online. Living regionally, and without easy access to pharmacies, she describes this as a major drawcard. “I can just go online, sign up, and I don’t have to go to the doctors,” she says, adding “it comes to your door, and when you ask a question, you get a reply within 24 hours”.
27-year-old Paediatric nurse, Rebekah, recounts a similar experience and the relief at finding health support that actually works, free from judgement.
“I remember looking for help with a GP, and I remember them saying just ‘eat less and exercise more’. I felt judged and unassisted”, she explains.
Through Juniper, Rebekah lost seventeen kilograms in less than four months and says the experience has left her feeling “empowered” for the first time ever about her weight.
Despite consultations and treatment referral occurring online, Rebekah notes the “support” offered by medical professionals who helped her recognise for the first time that her issues with her weight weren’t her fault.
“It’s not just a product, but a community”, she says simply. “You’re not on your own”.
A healthy weight range “felt like something that I could never achieve” she says. “I feel empowered that I’ve made some changes, but I can still make more changes to feel healthier.”
Learn more about Juniper at myjuniper.com