Valley Metabolic Health  ·  Western Zone Obesity Network

Let’s reverse the rising tide.

Building a connected, compassionate system of care for people living with obesity and related metabolic conditions in Nova Scotia.

Why This Exists

Obesity is a chronic medical condition, not a personal failure.

Valley Metabolic Health works to make good obesity care a normal, expected part of the public health system in Nova Scotia, close to where people already live and see their own care teams.

In practice that means clear information for patients, practical support for family physicians and nurse practitioners, and care that draws on the three pillars of comprehensive obesity care: behaviour change, medical therapy, and metabolic (bariatric) surgery.

The Goal

Obesity care built into everyday health care

We picture a system where patients, providers, and programs work together, where stigma is lower, prevention is supported, and people receive evidence-informed care close to home, from community services through to specialty care.

Supporting family physicians, nurse practitioners, and care teams is how people living with obesity come to receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place.

What We Are Working to Change

The gaps people face today

Obesity care in Nova Scotia is still uneven, and there is a lot to improve. People living with obesity often face:

  • Long wait times for consultation and support
  • Limited access to multidisciplinary care and surgery
  • Fragmented care across different programs
  • Persistent weight bias and stigma
  • Gaps in resources for primary care teams

Find Your Way In

For patients and providers

For Patients

Clear, evidence-based information about obesity and diabetes, and how to find the right care in the public system.

For patients ›

For Providers

Guidance and shared tools aligned with the Obesity Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines: care pathways, EMR templates, and consultation support for the primary care home.

For professionals ›

For Partners

Working with practices, care teams, chronic disease programs, and surgical services across the Western Zone to join up obesity care within the health system.

About the network ›

Obesity Care Across Nova Scotia

A province-wide network taking shape

Living With Weight

“Live the healthiest life you can enjoy, not the healthiest life you can tolerate.”
— Yoni Freedhoff, MD, Obesity Medicine Specialist

Western Zone Obesity Network

Leadership

Our leads guide the three pillars of comprehensive obesity care — medical, surgical, and nutritional.

Medical Lead

Dr. Michael Mindrum

Internal medicine and obesity medicine — metabolic disease, medical therapy, and behaviour change.

Surgical Lead

Dr. Victoria Bentley

Metabolic and bariatric surgery — surgical assessment and care pathways.

Dietitian Lead

Kate Wentzell

Nutrition and dietary care — evidence-based, sustainable eating strategies.

For the clinical detail behind these pillars, see the guides:

Get in Touch

We’re here to help

Whether you are a patient, a provider, or a partner in the health system, we would love to hear from you.

Address
Suite 250, 21 Roy Avenue
New Minas, Nova Scotia  B4N 3R7
Office Phone
(902) 915-4435
Office Fax
1 (855) 962-2375