Psychological support, at the core of our Tier 3 weight management programme
Psychological support is integrated into Oviva’s Tier 3 Weight Management programme right from the first assessment.
Weight regulation is complex, shaped by biological, psychological, social and environmental factors, so effective weight management must recognise each person’s individual context. A psychologically informed approach helps people explore their relationship with food, their bodies and their health, building the skills and self-compassion needed to improve both physical and psychological wellbeing.
That’s why every Oviva patient completes a digital triage covering areas of psychological health. After this process, patients are matched to the appropriate level of psychological care, from digital content and live psychology webinars through to individual sessions with a member of the psychology team.
“The psychologists genuinely care about my mental wellbeing, not just the physical side.”
“A psychologist talked to me about how I truly felt about my weight. Not just how I looked, but how it affected me underneath. Having someone take the time to understand that side of things, rather than just focusing on the number on the scales, meant a lot.”
Why psychological support matters
Aims to enhance patient safety
All patients who have an individual psychology appointment will have a personalised consultation with a Psychological Practitioner.
Helps to make sense of experiences
Seeing a Psychological Practitioner is one way to make sense of difficult experiences and understand what impacts your thoughts, feelings and behaviours in relation to your weight management journey.
Aims to improve psychological health
Sustainable approach with psychology support available throughout the programme.
“We ground our programme in psychological principles to make sure that we are supporting people in making sustainable changes to their lives, so they can move towards their own personal goals. We ask all the patients on our weight management programme about their psychological health, so we can personalise psychological support to their specific areas of need.
Everything we offer is created by our in-house team, and is responsive to what our patients say they need. We support our patients in different ways, using technology and human expertise.”
Lisa Debrou, Clinical Expert for Psychology at Oviva
How it works
We have a stepped care model in place for patients on our Tier 3 Weight Management.
- Universal access
All patients get access to psychological support as standard. Our psychology webinar series and Learn content in the app are developed by our in-house team, covering topics like emotional eating, motivation and self compassion. - Psychology 1-1 coaching
Patients who need more personal input receive brief 1-1 coaching sessions with a member of the psychology team. Coaching focuses on the specific barriers identified at triage – such as emotional eating patterns or low confidence.
- Specialist 1-1 psychological support
Extended sessions are offered with our Psychologists as and when required.
What our triage data reveals
Data from a psychology triage survey of 576 patients starting Oviva’s Tier 3 weight management programme, presented at BOMSS.
Only 14% of patients said they liked their body when starting treatment.
1 in 4 patients frequently or always eat in response to negative emotions.
16% of patients have, or are awaiting assessment for, a neurodevelopmental condition.
Meet some of the Psychology Team
Every patient on our Tier 3 programme gets access to a multidisciplinary team of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, Health Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists, all working together to help people make changes that actually last.
Lisa Debrou
Clinical Expert for Psychology
Luisa Rubio
Senior Clinical Psychologist
Talent Charura
Clinical Psychologist
Noorulain Zafar
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
Nicola Garnham
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
Sally Henton
Health Psychologist
Puja Patel
Health Psychologist
About Oviva Tier 3 Weight Management
Our consultant endocrinologist-led programme provides up to two years of structured support, combining specialist medical care, dietetic and psychological support, health coaching and weight loss medication (where appropriate).
Our clinician-led team of weight management specialists brings together endocrinologists, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, and health coaches, delivering holistic care to our patients in one coordinated approach.
“It’s been life-changing and I know it can help so many others who feel stuck like I did.”
“I feel brighter, more confident, and happier overall, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
“I look at old photos of myself and think: I never want to go back there.”
“The mindset is there now and that’s what matters. I know I can lose it again even when I have small setbacks.”
“I don’t see food as good or bad anymore. I recognise what my body needs. I don’t feel guilty anymore. I can’t recognise the old me.”
“I feel like I’m becoming my old self again, but better.”
“I can’t remember the last time I used my inhaler. I can run up the stairs and I’ve got so much more energy.”