Everything You Need to Know About Your Weight at MSK Centre
Did you know we have a medical weight management clinic within MSK Centre? As with the rest of our services, the Waterloo Medical Weight and Wellness clinic takes a holistic approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. We look beyond the scale to help you reclaim your energy, confidence, and overall well-being.
Our clinicians support you with evidence-based strategies, personalized care, and ongoing encouragement to help you live your healthiest, most active life. Curious about what the process looks like? Let’s answer some of the most common questions we get about the clinic.
Your Questions Answered: The Waterloo Medical Weight and Wellness Clinic
What Makes Your Clinic Different From Other Weight Loss Programs?
We take a medical and multidisciplinary approach to weight management. Your care team includes several clinicians working together to help you achieve your goals safely and sustainably, including a:
- Medical physician
- Registered dietician
- Registered physiotherapist
- Certified trainer
- Educator
Our team works to address the biological, psychological, and behavioural factors that contribute to weight gain. The goal is lasting health improvements through gradual, realistic lifestyle changes that fit your life.
Is This a Diet or Exercise program?
We do not promote a specific diet or exercise plan. Instead, we focus on helping you make sustainable changes that align with your lifestyle and personal preferences. Our goal is to help you discover what works best for you, such as adjusting your eating habits, finding enjoyable ways to move your body, or improving your relationship with food.
Weight loss is often a natural outcome of these changes, but it’s not the only measure of success. We also celebrate improvements in energy, mood, mobility, and confidence.
Who Can Benefit From This Program?
Anyone struggling with their weight or related health conditions is welcome. Whether you’re managing issues like diabetes, hypertension, mobility concerns, or low energy, our program is designed to meet you where you are.
What Does the Program Include?
Your first step is a comprehensive assessment of your health, lifestyle, and medical history. We take time to understand your health, lifestyle, challenges, and goals. This helps us work with you to explore a personalized plan that might include nutrition guidance, physical activity strategies, behavioural support, or medication, when appropriate.
You’ll then begin the 9-12 month program, which may include individual visits and group sessions, offered both in-person and virtually. We tailor the program to best meet you needs. You can expect about one to three appointments each month with different members of your care team.
We may also provide continuous support through:
- Regular check-ins and progress reviews
- Group education sessions
- Access to practical resources
- Collaborative care from a team that communicates about your progress every step of the way
What Kind of Results Can I Expect?
Results look different for everyone. Some clients see gradual weight loss, while others focus on improving strength, managing blood sugar, reducing pain, or boosting energy. Our priority is helping you build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
How Much Does the Program Cost?
The consultation with our physician is covered by OHIP with a referral.
The total program fee for our standard program is $1,665. However, this includes time with our registered dietician for whom you may be eligible for reimbursement through extended health benefits. We provide receipts for insurance reimbursement as visits are completed ($900), and many of our patients have successfully claimed part of their costs through their health benefits.
If you feel it’s a good fit, an optional training package with our certified trainer is available for an additional $400.
The total fee can be paid in full or split into multiple payments over 6 months.
How Can I Join the Program?
To get started, ask your family physician to fax a referral letter to Dr. Dignam at the Waterloo Medical Weight and Wellness Clinic using the number 519-489-2988. Physicians can also send an eReferral through OCEAN.
Our team will contact you once we receive your referral to schedule your initial consultation.
Start Your Journey With Our Multidisciplinary Team Today
If you’ve been struggling with your weight, know you don’t have to manage it alone. The Waterloo Medical Weight and Wellness Clinic at MSK Centre offers a comprehensive, science-based, and compassionate path toward better health.
To learn more, visit mskcentre.ca or speak to your doctor about sending a referral. Your healthier, more confident life starts here!
Return to PT at MSK Centre!
Miss feeling your best? Come back to MSK Centre and let us help you get there—schedule your appointment today!
“I cannot say enough about Dr. Callaghan, truly. She deserves all the praise in the world for being an absolute star. Her diagnosis is quick, her treatments are effective, and she works hard to ensure you’re getting the best care possible (including preventative care). I’ve gone to her for a variety of concerns; shoulder and back issues – both muscular and nerve related, old and new sport injuries, TMJ concerns, etc. If you’re looking for someone who is not only extremely talented and skilled, but is also a great person who is easy to talk to, look no further than Julia – she’s truly one of the best health practitioners I have ever had the privilege of going to.”
-Natasha B.
Announcing Our New 40+ Personal Training Program!
At MSK Centre, we know that getting back to regular exercise (or starting from scratch) can be intimidating, especially if you’re middle-aged or older. Fortunately, you’ve got a helping hand with our new personal training program.
Why Work with a Personal Trainer?
It’s not a secret that physical inactivity increases the risk of many chronic illnesses. Regular exercise can reduce joint pain, help with high blood sugar or blood pressure, and protect against age-related muscle decline.
Unfortunately, many people in midlife find traditional fitness centres overwhelming or unwelcoming. And if you’re managing a chronic condition (like arthritis), you may need some additional support to stay safe.
Our personal training program works to remove these barriers. Led by a kinesiologist and targeting people 40 and up, it can help you build strength, improve mobility, and reduce health risks that can develop as you age.
What sets us apart is that we tailor your workout plans specifically to your physical ability, medical history, and personal goals. Whether you’re managing osteoarthritis or just want to boost your wellness, we’re here to help!
What Does the Program Offer?
- Consultation with a physiotherapist as needed
- Supervised strength training adapted to each individual’s needs
- Balance and coordination exercises to reduce fall risk
- Mobility work to ease stiffness and support joint health
- Conditioning for improved cardiovascular capacity, including VO₂ Max testing
- Activity-specific training to support lifestyle and injury prevention
- Safe progression for those recovering from injury or managing chronic conditions
Ready to Get Started?
If you think you’d benefit from our new program, contact MSK Centre today to set up your initial appointment!
🎃 Halloween at MSK Centre 🎃
Follow Us on Instagram!
Exercise of the Month
HAMSTRING SUPINE STRETCH
Start by lying on your back with both legs straight out. Loop a towel around your foot on the side you want to stretch. Keeping your leg as straight as possible, pull it up into the air using the ends of the towel. Hold when you feel a stretch in the back of your leg. Hold for 30 seconds. 3 Sets, 1 Rep. (Materials needed: towel)
Thank you for subscribing to MSK Centre!
December Word Scramble
vegnreree
wannsmo
rewtah
ircfapeel
eslhgi
ilodyha
Answer Key
evergreen
snowman
wreath
fireplace
sleigh
holiday
Share Your Success Story
Love your experience with MSK Centre? Click the button to leave us a Google review—your feedback helps others find the care they need!
Healthy Recipe
Gluten-Free Chocolate Ganache Tart
Indulge in this rich, decadent Gluten-Free Chocolate Ganache Tart — a dessert that’s as elegant as it is irresistible. Perfect for sharing (or not!), it’s a sweet way to treat yourself without the gluten.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup salted gluten-free pretzels, crushed into small pieces
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 6 oz. vegan dark chocolate, finely chopped
- Pomegranate seeds, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease 9” tart pan with removable bottom. In large bowl, combine shredded coconut, pretzels, rice flour, coconut oil, sugar, and cocoa. Transfer to prepared tart pan. With hands, firmly press mixture into bottom and up side of pan in even layer; place on cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack. In small saucepan, heat coconut milk on medium until just bubbling at edges, whisking occasionally. Place chocolate and pinch salt in medium heatproof bowl. Pour hot coconut milk over chocolate. Let stand 5 minutes. Gently whisk until smooth. Pour into tart shell. Refrigerate, uncovered, 2 hours or until set. To serve, top with pomegranate seeds, if desired. Can be made up to 2 days ahead. Once set, cover with plastic and keep refrigerated.
Refer a Friend
If you’ve experienced the outstanding care at MSK Centre, why not share it with your friends? Referring them means giving them access to personalized treatment that can make a real difference in their health and well-being. Help them find a trusted healthcare partner—refer a friend to MSK Centre today!
Meet Our Team
Robert Chalmers
B.Sc.(PT), B.A.(PHE), MCPA
Drew Dupras
Hons. B. Kin, M.Sc.PT
Jordan Fayez
BKin (Hon), M.Sc.PT
Parth Suthar
Hons. BHSc. Kin, DPT
Joan Tew
B.H.Sc.PT
Thirusan Thiruchelvam
B.Sc.Kin(Hons), M.Sc.PT, Cert.SMT
Vito Manchisi
BKin Honours, MScPT
Adam Yousufzay
BSc Honours, MScPT
Adrienne Paliyath
BSc(Kin), M.Sc.(P.T.)
Alexandra Ilich
B.H.Sc.(PT), H.B.Sc., MCPA, Advanced BoneFit™ Certified
Patrick Lee
PT, BScPT, BSc, MSc
Dr. Julia Callaghan
B.Sc. (Hons), DC
Dr. Joel Dixon
B.Kin. (Hons), DC
Dr. Michael Frey
B.Sc. (Hons.), DC
Dr. Kevin Fuss
B.Sc, DC
Dr. Andrew Robb
BA, DC, FRCCSS(C), CSCS, Acu., ART®
Dr. Nick Bayley
MD, FRCS(C), Dip Sport Med
Dr. Olivier Gauthier-Kwan
MD, FRCS(C)
Dr. Chris Geddes
MD, MSc, FRCS(C)
Dr. Brandon Girardi
MD, MEd, FRCS(C)
Dr. Paul Grosso
MD, FRCS(C)
Dr. Thomas Hupel
MD, MSc, FRCS(C)
Dr. Rick Lau
MD, MSc, FRCS(C)
Dr. Matthew Snider
MD, FRCS(C)
Dr. David Stevens
MD, BSc, FRCS(C), CIME
Dr. Horacio Yepes
MD FRCSC
Dr. Kevin Asem
MD, CCFP(SEM), Dip Sport Med
Dr. Peter Keizer
MD, CCFP (EM), Dip Sport Med
Dr. John McCuaig
MD, CCFP(SEM), Dip Sport Med
Alicia Petrie
CCPA, B.Sc.PA, B.Sc.Kin (Hons)
Kim Schlattman
CCPA, B.H.Sc. PA, BSc. (Hons)
