Obesity Health CentreOne clear path for every patient.

Obesity Health Centre is a practice at Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital in Pretoria, where surgeons, physicians, dieticians, psychologists and physiotherapists work together.

Its patients arrive at very different points. Some are only starting to ask for help. Some are thinking about medication or surgery. Some have had surgery and need care for life. The practice needed one site that meets every one of them without overwhelming anyone, says only what a medical practice is allowed to say, and gives doctors a way to refer patients.

Find where you are. The front page asks one question: where are you in your journey? Four answers, from "I need help with my weight" to "I have had surgery", each lead to the part of the site written for that person.

One path, six phases. Care is laid out the way a patient lives it, from early help to lifelong aftercare, not by the practice's departments.

Calm and careful. The only bodies on the site are drawn ones, on purpose, and every page carries the practice's medical disclaimer.

The first step is always close. A confidential enquiry form, WhatsApp and booking are within reach on every page, and doctors have their own section for referrals.

Learning before booking. Patient resources and a bariatric information pack to download explain the options before anyone has to decide.

The site gives patients one place to read about the options and to take a first step when they are ready.