Question 1

Is this a diet program?

Accepted Answer

No. The program is being designed around private one-on-one support, sustainable healthy living, behaviour change, accountability and realistic weight management. It will not be built around crash diets or extreme restriction.

Question 2

Will the program be one-on-one?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The main program is being designed around private one-on-one support with a qualified practitioner. This allows the support to be tailored to each person's circumstances, routines and barriers.

Question 3

Will I have to attend a group?

Accepted Answer

No. Group attendance will not be compulsory. An optional monthly online check-in may be introduced as an additional resource once there are enough participants.

Question 4

What happens during the monthly online check-in?

Accepted Answer

The check-in may include practical education, discussion of common challenges, general questions, goal setting and strategies for recovering after setbacks. Participants will not be required to share private information.

Question 5

Will I work with a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

Man Counsellor is currently developing the practitioner team. Depending on availability and suitability, support may be provided by a psychologist, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker or another appropriately qualified practitioner.

Question 6

Can a psychologist or mental health social worker help with weight management?

Accepted Answer

A mental health practitioner may help with the psychological and behavioural issues affecting healthy living, including emotional eating, stress, motivation, confidence, all-or-nothing thinking and repeated setbacks. They do not replace medical, dietetic or specialised exercise advice.

Question 7

Will I receive a diet or exercise plan?

Accepted Answer

The final program inclusions are still being developed. Man Counsellor practitioners will only provide services within their professional qualifications and scope. Individual nutrition or exercise prescriptions may require referral to another qualified professional.

Question 8

Is the program covered by Medicare?

Accepted Answer

The Healthy Living Program is being developed as a private service. Some separate mental health appointments may be eligible for Medicare rebates where a client meets the relevant requirements and is treated by an eligible provider under an appropriate referral or treatment plan. Eligibility cannot be guaranteed and should be discussed before booking.

Question 9

Does the program guarantee weight loss?

Accepted Answer

No. Results vary between individuals and depend on many personal, behavioural, medical and environmental factors. The program focuses on sustainable behaviour change and healthier routines rather than guaranteed weight-loss outcomes.

Question 10

Can I join after bariatric surgery?

Accepted Answer

People who have undergone bariatric surgery should speak with their GP, surgeon or dietitian before making significant dietary changes. The program may provide behaviour-change and wellbeing support but does not replace bariatric medical or nutritional care.

Question 11

Is this medical treatment?

Accepted Answer

No. Man Counsellor does not diagnose or medically treat weight-related health conditions, eating disorders, hormonal conditions or other health conditions through this program. Participants may be encouraged to consult a GP, Accredited Practising Dietitian, exercise professional or another qualified health practitioner when appropriate.

Question 12

When will it start?

Accepted Answer

Program dates have not yet been confirmed. People who register their interest will receive further details first.

Question 13

Is registering interest a commitment to purchase?

Accepted Answer

No. Registering your interest only records that you would like more information and does not create any payment obligation.

Question 14

Can I use this instead of seeing my doctor?

Accepted Answer

No. This program does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult an appropriately qualified health professional for medical concerns.

Question 15

What is a daily calorie-needs calculator?

Accepted Answer

A daily calorie-needs calculator estimates how much energy your body may require based on factors such as age, height, weight and activity. The result is a general estimate and may differ from your actual energy needs.

Question 16

What are maintenance calories?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance calories are an estimate of the daily energy intake that may keep body weight relatively stable. Actual requirements can change with activity, body composition, health and other factors.

Question 17

What is resting energy expenditure?

Accepted Answer

Resting energy expenditure is the energy your body uses to support essential functions while at rest. The calculator estimates this figure using a standard equation rather than measuring it directly.

Question 18

How accurate is a calorie calculator?

Accepted Answer

Calorie calculators provide estimates rather than exact measurements. Their usefulness depends on accurate information and an honest assessment of activity. Actual requirements should be reviewed against real-world progress.

Question 19

Should I eat my resting calorie amount?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Resting calorie needs estimate energy used while at rest and do not include most everyday activity. They should not automatically be treated as a daily calorie target.

Question 20

Can I use the calculator after bariatric surgery?

Accepted Answer

People who have undergone bariatric surgery may have specialised nutritional needs. Speak with your bariatric team, GP or Accredited Practising Dietitian before using a general calorie-reduction estimate.

Question 21

Can the calculator guarantee weight loss?

Accepted Answer

No. Weight change is affected by many behavioural, environmental and physiological factors. The calculator provides an estimated starting point only.