Petition for the Integration of the OPTIFAST Program into the Primary Care Network

If you support our Patient Initiative to integrate the OPTIFAST Program, as established under Dr. Doug Armstrong and Dr. Fraser Armstrong of West Ed Diet Consultants Inc., into the local Primary Care Networks please add your signature below. We thank you for your support.

Obesity is defined as: An abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more over an individual's ideal body weight. Obesity is associated with increased risk of illness, disability, and death.

For nearly one-third of all adult Albertans, this definition has leapt off the printed page and landed resoundingly on their hips, thighs, and waists. Obesity rates in Alberta have risen by about five percentage points in the past decade, with between 24 and 29 per cent of all adult Albertans now obese. Worse yet, our children are carrying these burdensome extra pounds into adulthood, with a decreased lifespan as a result.

Obesity is a chronic, multi-faceted disease. It may stem from genetics, lifestyle choices, or environmental factors. Mental, emotional, and physical obstacles may play a role as well. A multi-faceted disease requires a multi-discipline approach to treatment and prevention.

West Ed Diet Consultants Inc. (WEDCI) has provided this multi-disciplinary approach to weight loss since 1986, under the direction of Dr. Doug Armstrong, using OPTIFAST as its primary tool. We feel this program has provided an effective option for those who have struggled through a maze of diet regimens and/or for whom surgery is not an option.

(The following information taken from http://www.optifast.com/Pages/program.aspx )

*The OPTIFAST Program is a medically supervised weight management program that closely monitors and assesses progress towards better health and emotional well-being. The program, which usually lasts 26 weeks, utilizes a full meal replacement plan that transitions to self-prepared ‘everyday’ meals, in conjunction with comprehensive patient education and support.

How the OPTIFAST Program Succeeds

Meal replacement diet

Narrowing your food choices helps you work towards weight loss and management by controlling the amount and types of food you eat.

Medical supervision

Utilizes the expertise of physicians to help you lose weight safely.

Lifestyle education

To help you achieve and sustain better health through nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes.

Counseling

Individual and group counseling by experts who understand your challenges.

Ongoing personalized support

Included both during and after weight loss to help you achieve and maintain success.*

TheWEDCI program goes above and beyond providing access to a dietician, behavioral counselor, and an exercise director. A recent group of under 20 people (Group 59) has lost over 1000 pounds using this effective formula. With the retirement of Dr. Doug Armstrong (2014) this not for profit, non-invasive program will find itself without a home.

As former and future beneficiaries of the program, we propose the OPTIFAST Program, as established under West Ed Diet Consultants Inc., be implemented within the local Primary Care Network (PCN). The PCNs are already functioning as multi-discipline supports to the community, and in line with Alberta's current 5 year obesity strategy, the OPTIFAST Program within the PCN system would greatly assist in creating a healthier Alberta. Dr. Armstrong’s years of experience using the program should facilitate a smooth transition. This petition will be presented to the PCN Board of Directors at the earliest opportunity following the completion of this petition.

If you support our Patient Initiative to integrate the OPTIFAST Program, as established under Dr. Doug Armstrong and Dr. Fraser Armstrong of West Ed Diet Consultants Inc., into the local Primary Care Networks please add your signature below. We thank you for your support.