Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life

Get help managing knee and hip osteoarthritis symptoms with a guided 18‑week program which supports weight loss, increased mobility and better pain management.

Supporting you to better manage symptoms from knee or hip osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can make everyday tasks more difficult. That’s why HBF is offering eligible members access to a health and wellness program in partnership with Prima Health Solutions at no extra cost to you. The program aims to help members effectively manage knee and hip osteoarthritis symptoms.

18 weeks of guided support

Delivered in three phases, the 18-week program is designed to promote long-lasting behaviour change.

Delivered in the comfort of your own home

All supporting products and materials are delivered to your door, with consultations delivered virtually by a Care Support Team of experienced health professionals.

Weight loss and improved nutrition

You’ll be supported by a progressive dietary plan aimed at achieving sustainable weight loss and improved eating habits.

Pain management

The program aims to reduce joint pain and stiffness and improve function, supporting you to move more freely.

Muscle strengthening

Targeted strength, balance, and mobility exercises designed to help stabilise joints and improve mobility.

Dedicated Care Support Team

Your Care Support Team is made up of allied health professionals trained to help you get the most out of the program providing support and guidance via phone, SMS, email, private online message board, and post.

How to get started

  1. Understand if you are eligible

    Eligible members can participate in this program at no extra cost. To be eligible, you must have:

    • Been diagnosed with knee or hip osteoarthritis,
    • A body mass index (BMI) of 28 or above,
    • Held hospital cover that includes cover for joint replacements for at least 12 months,
    • Not have previously enrolled in an Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life program funded by HBF, and
    • Approval from your GP or specialist to participate in the program (this approval form will be provided following enrolment).

  2. Enrol to participate

    Visit the Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life website and click on “Enrol to Participate”. You will receive a confirmation email including an approval form to take to your GP or specialist.

  3. GP or Specialist approval

    Visit your GP or specialist to have them complete the approval form confirming your suitability for the program.

  4. Send in your information

    Return the completed GP or specialist approval form to the Healthy Weight for Life team to the specified email address.

  5. Start the program

    The Healthy Weight for Life team will post your Phase 1 kit and give you a call to begin to guide you through their 18-week program.

FAQ's about Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life

How do I know if I am eligible for the program?

To be eligible for the fully funded program, you must have:

  • Been diagnosed with knee or hip osteoarthritis
  • A body mass index (BMI) of 28 or above
  • Held hospital cover that includes cover for joint replacements for at least 12 months
  • Not have previously enrolled in an Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life program funded by HBF, and
  • Approval from your GP or specialist to participate in the program.

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.

You must be willing to maintain medical supervision for existing medical conditions.

How will I benefit?

The specialised knee and hip Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life program carefully integrates the following strategies to help you take action against some of the underlying causes of joint pain and reduced mobility - all in the comfort of your own home.
  • Weight loss and better nutrition – to reduce the load placed on joints.
  • Muscle strengthening – to help stabilise joints and improve mobility.
  • Land based and range of motion exercises – to reduce joint stiffness and improve physical function.
  • Pain management strategies – to help understand medication and complementary pain management strategies.
  • Education – to help build understanding and practical skills.
  • Monitoring and engagement strategies – to help boost your motivation and confidence.

What is involved if I do participate?

You will first need to obtain approval from your treating GP or specialist to confirm your suitability for the program. Once your GP approval confirmation is received, the phase 1 kit will be delivered to your home. 

The program is delivered in 3 distinct phases over 18 weeks designed to encourage long term behaviour change. 

Your Care Support Team will contact you throughout the program via phone, SMS, email, or through a secure message board. You are also encouraged to access the digital member hub to track progress, find great resources, and communicate with your Care Support Team.

What is the cost of the Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life program?

Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life is provided to eligible HBF members at no extra cost. 

How does Healthy Weight for Life protect my privacy?

At HBF we respect the privacy of your personal information. We process personal details on a daily basis and are committed to ensuring that the privacy and security of personal information remains protected. We are bound by the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) set out in the Privacy Act. Please visit our website for more information.

Our program delivery partner, Prima Health Solutions, provides the Healthy Weight for Life – Osteoarthritis program on behalf of HBF and must uphold the same standards for privacy. For more information please visit Healthy Weight for Life, Privacy Policy page.

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Find out more about Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life

If you’d like to find out more about Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for Life, call us on 1300 886 513 or email us at hbfhealthservices@hbf.com.au