SOUTHERN WEIGHT LOSS NZ

SOUTHERN WEIGHT LOSS NZ We are weight loss practice based in Dunedin. We have regular clinics in Wanaka, Oamaru, Invercargill and Dunedin.

Our goal is to improve the understanding of the role that surgery plays in the management of obesity and help you achieve a healthier life.

At 42, Mr MH weighed 208kg with a BMI over 64.A routine GP visit became the moment he decided things had to change.In No...
01/03/2026

At 42, Mr MH weighed 208kg with a BMI over 64.

A routine GP visit became the moment he decided things had to change.

In November 2022 he underwent a One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass with Mark Grant at Southern Weight Loss in Dunedin.
Nine months later:
• 69kg weight reduction
• BMI reduced to 35
• Significant improvement in hip and knee pain
• Able to walk long distances again
• Tolerating cardiovascular exercise comfortably
Bariatric surgery is a recognised medical treatment for chronic obesity. It works by changing gut hormones, appetite regulation and metabolism, not just stomach size.
Individual results vary. Surgery is not suitable for everyone and carries risks. Long-term follow-up, nutritional supplementation and lifestyle change are essential.

If you’re in Dunedin, Otago or Southland and want to understand your options, start with a conversation with your GP or a bariatric specialist. An initial consultation provides information, not obligation.

Most people associate Vitamin D with calcium and bone strength.But Vitamin D functions more like a hormone — with recept...
01/03/2026

Most people associate Vitamin D with calcium and bone strength.

But Vitamin D functions more like a hormone — with receptors found in immune cells, muscle tissue, the brain, heart and pancreas. It plays a broader role in overall metabolic health.
Beyond bones, adequate Vitamin D levels are associated with:
• Immune regulation, helping the immune system respond appropriately to infections
• Muscle strength and recovery, deficiency is linked with weakness and increased falls risk
• Mood and cognitive function, low levels have been associated with fatigue and low mood
• Metabolic health, Vitamin D receptors are involved in insulin signalling and inflammatory pathways

In the lower South Island, including Dunedin, Otago and Southland, winter UV exposure is limited. Vitamin D deficiency is therefore common.

People living with obesity are at higher risk of deficiency because Vitamin D is fat-soluble and can become sequestered in adipose tissue. After bariatric surgery, absorption and intake may also be reduced, making monitoring important.

It’s important to clarify:
Vitamin D is not a treatment for obesity, and supplementation is not a substitute for comprehensive medical care. However, correcting deficiency may support overall wellbeing and muscle function, which are important for long-term health and weight maintenance.
At Southern Weight Loss, Vitamin D levels are routinely checked as part of structured medical weight management and post-bariatric follow-up.
If you’re unsure about your levels, speak with your GP about appropriate testing and whether supplementation is indicated for you.
—
This post provides general information only and does not replace individual medical advice. Individual needs vary. Please consult your healthcare professional before starting supplements.

You don’t need to run to improve fitness after weight-loss surgery.One piece of advice I give all my bariatric patients ...
28/02/2026

You don’t need to run to improve fitness after weight-loss surgery.
One piece of advice I give all my bariatric patients is this:
incline walking is a very effective form of exercise, especially after surgery.
Why? Because research comparing incline walking with flat treadmill running shows that when effort is matched:
• Fitness improvements (heart rate and oxygen use) are similar
• Incline walking can result in a higher proportion of fat being used as fuel
• Joint impact is lower than running

📚 The evidence
• Wong & Davis, International Journal of Exercise Science (2025):
12% incline walking vs flat running, incline walking showed higher fat oxidation when calories were matched.
• Sato et al., International Journal of Exercise Science (2024):
High-incline walking vs level jogging, similar heart rate, oxygen consumption, and calorie burn.

This is why incline walking is often a sensible option after bariatric surgery, particularly for people with joint pain or who are rebuilding confidence with movement.
You don’t need intensity.
You need consistency.

Mark Grant
Upper GI & Bariatric Surgeon
Southern Weight Loss
General information only. Exercise advice should be individualised.



27/02/2026

Many people describe something they call “food noise.”

Constant thoughts about food.
Cravings that feel intrusive.
Eating that feels automatic rather than intentional.
This isn’t a lack of willpower.
It’s biology.

GLP-1 medications work not only on the stomach, but also on areas of the brain involved in hunger and reward. By influencing these pathways, they can reduce cravings and help quiet the constant pull toward food.
Patients often say it feels like:
“More control.”
“Less obsession.”
“A bit of mental space.”
Medication isn’t magic.
Nutrition, protein intake, strength training, sleep, and follow-up still matter. But when the biological drive is reduced, healthy behaviour becomes more achievable.
Obesity is a chronic medical condition with neurohormonal drivers, and it deserves medical support.
If you’re in Dunedin, Otago or Southland and would like to discuss medically supervised weight management options, you’re welcome to seek advice.

This information is general in nature and not individual medical advice. All treatments require assessment for suitability and discussion of risks and benefits with a qualified health professional.

24/02/2026

Are you struggling with your weight despite doing “all the right things”?

You are not alone, and it’s not simply about willpower.
Obesity is a complex medical condition that often requires medical support.

At Southern Weight Loss, we provide specialist assessment and treatment options tailored to the individual.

Care is led by Mark Grant, Consultant Upper GI & Bariatric Surgeon.

Treatment options may include:
• Medical weight loss (including GLP-1 medications where appropriate)
• Bariatric surgery
• Structured long-term follow-up
• Multidisciplinary support

Consultations are available in Dunedin, with monthly clinics in Wānaka, Oamaru and Invercargill.

If you would like to understand your options, speak with your GP or contact us directly to enquire about an assessment.

Expert care, provided locally.

Dunedin | Wānaka | Oamaru | Invercargill
GP referral or self-referral welcome

21/02/2026

If you’re on a weight loss journey, this matters more than you think.

Because there will be moments when the scale slows down.
• The plateau after initial rapid loss
• Week 5 on Semaglutide or Tirzepatide and hunger creeps back
• The 6-month slowdown after a Sleeve gastrectomy
And this is usually where doubt sets in.
But in obesity medicine, we don’t judge success by one number on one day.
We look at trajectory.
Are you:
✔ Hitting your protein targets?
✔ Moving your body consistently?
✔ Attending follow-up?
✔ Becoming more aware of emotional eating triggers?
Because here’s the truth:
Metabolic improvement often precedes visible change.
• Insulin levels improve
• Blood pressure drops
• Inflammation reduces
• Sleep quality improves
The scale may pause.
Your physiology often doesn’t.
Obesity is a chronic condition. Progress is rarely linear.
But direction matters more than speed.
If your habits are trending in the right direction, your body usually follows.
Stay focused on the path, not the daily number.

Mark Grant
Southern Weight Loss
Dunedin | Otago | Southland

This is general information only and not individual medical advice. Always discuss your situation with your healthcare team.

Is hunger just about willpower?Not quite.Your body produces a hormone called ghrelin, often referred to as the “hunger h...
21/02/2026

Is hunger just about willpower?

Not quite.

Your body produces a hormone called ghrelin, often referred to as the “hunger hormone.” When ghrelin levels rise, your brain receives a signal to eat.
Levels typically increase before meals, during dieting, after weight loss, and with poor sleep.
This is one reason long-term weight loss can feel challenging, your body is designed to protect its energy stores.

Understanding the biology behind appetite helps shift the conversation away from blame and toward evidence-based care.

At Southern Weight Loss in Dunedin, we provide assessment and treatment options for people across Otago, Southland and Central Otago, including lifestyle support, medical therapies and bariatric surgery where appropriate.

If persistent hunger or “food noise” is affecting your health, there may be biological factors involved.

For more information or to discuss whether assessment is appropriate for you, speak with your GP or contact our team.

This post is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice.

📍 Southern Weight Loss, Mercy Hospital, Dunedin
Serving Dunedin | Otago | Southland | Central Otago

21/02/2026

Do You Want To Be Part of the 10% Club?

Losing just 10% of your total body weight can lead to meaningful improvements in health.
For many people, that level of weight loss is associated with:
• Improved blood sugar control (often 0.5–1.0% reduction in HbA1c)
• Lower blood pressure (around 5–10 mmHg reduction on average)
• Improved cholesterol and triglycerides
• Reduced severity of obstructive sleep apnoea
• Better mobility, energy and overall quality of life
It doesn’t require perfection. It starts with structured, sustainable steps nutrition, movement, behavioural support, and where appropriate, medical or surgical treatment.

Obesity is a chronic metabolic condition. It deserves medical support, not self-blame.

At Southern Weight Loss, we provide assessment and evidence-based treatment options tailored to the individual. GP referral or self-referral is welcome across Dunedin, Otago, Southland and Central Otago.

If you’ve been waiting to “feel ready” this might be your sign to simply start.

This information is general in nature and not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Outcomes vary between individuals. Medication changes should only occur under the supervision of your GP or specialist.



















20/02/2026

Starting a GLP-1 medication such as semaglutide or tirzepatide in Dunedin or across Otago and Southland?

These medications can be an effective medical treatment for obesity, but how you begin matters.

At Southern Weight Loss in Dunedin, we regularly see patients from Queenstown, Wanaka, Invercargill, Oamaru and throughout the lower South Island who struggle with side effects simply because:
• The dose was increased too quickly
• Protein intake was too low
• Meals were too large or eaten too fast
• Hydration dropped as appetite reduced

GLP-1 medications work by reducing appetite and slowing gastric emptying. When introduced carefully and supported with structured nutrition and clinical follow-up, tolerability improves significantly.
This is not a crash diet.
It is part of long-term metabolic health care.

If you are considering medical weight loss treatment in Dunedin, Otago, Southland or Central Otago, ensure you are receiving appropriate assessment and ongoing supervision.

Southern Weight Loss provides medically supervised obesity treatment with personalised guidance and follow-up.
Book a consultation to discuss whether GLP-1 therapy is appropriate for you.

This information is general in nature and does not replace individual medical advice. All medical treatments carry potential risks and benefits that should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

20/02/2026

PCOS and Weight Gain: Understanding the Metabolic Link
Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age.

It is not simply a “period problem.”

It is a metabolic condition, and body weight can significantly influence how it behaves.
How are PCOS and obesity connected?
• 40–80% of women with PCOS live with overweight or obesity
• Up to 70% have insulin resistance
• The risk of type 2 diabetes is 4–7 times higher than average
PCOS is driven by insulin resistance. When insulin levels rise:
→ The ovaries produce more androgens (testosterone)
→ Ovulation becomes irregular
→ Symptoms such as irregular cycles, acne, and excess hair growth may occur
Increased abdominal fat can worsen insulin resistance, creating a reinforcing cycle.
Can weight reduction improve PCOS?
Evidence shows that even modest weight loss can positively influence symptoms:
5–10% total body weight loss may:
• Improve ovulation rates
• Reduce circulating testosterone
• Improve insulin sensitivity
Greater weight reduction is associated with further metabolic improvement.
Importantly, this is about improving hormonal and metabolic health, not appearance.
Treatment options
Management is individualised and may include:
• Structured nutrition and exercise programmes
• Metformin
• In some cases, medications such as Semaglutide or Tirzepatide
• Bariatric (metabolic) surgery such as Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric Bypass for appropriate candidates
Not all treatments are suitable for everyone. A full medical assessment is required.
If you are in Dunedin, Otago, or Southland and would like to understand how weight and metabolic health may be influencing PCOS, speak with your GP about referral options or seek advice from a qualified health professional.

This post is for general educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice.

19/02/2026

The scale isn’t the whole story.

After bariatric surgery or while using GLP-1 medications, some of the most important changes happen quietly:

• Walking further without exhaustion
• Less knee, hip or back pain
• Sleeping better
• Feeling satisfied with smaller portions
• Having more daily energy
• Growing confidence in everyday life

These are not “small wins.”

They are signs your metabolism, hormones and overall health are improving.

At Southern Weight Loss in Dunedin, we focus on meaningful, long-term health outcomes not just a number on the scales.

If you’re in Dunedin, Otago, Southland, Queenstown, Wanaka or Invercargill and considering weight loss surgery or medical weight management, we’re here to provide evidence-based, locally delivered care.
Your progress matters, even when the scale doesn’t move.
Book a consultation to discuss your options.

Address

72 Newington Avenue, Maori Hill
Dunedin
9010

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+6434640970

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when SOUTHERN WEIGHT LOSS NZ posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to SOUTHERN WEIGHT LOSS NZ:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category