Weight Loss Team

Dr Sara McCluskey BSc MRCPsych -
Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr McCluskey studied Medicine at St. George’s Hospital Medical School and qualified in 1983 before specialising in Psychiatry at St. George’s Hospital and Newcastle. Her research work has included the psychological consequences of bariatric surgery and associations between binge-eating and polycystic ovaries. Since 1998 she has been Consultant Psychiatrist at The Priory Hospital, Hayes Grove. As its Deputy Medical Director, she leads the treatment of adults and young people with a wide range of eating disorders.

She is also an experienced general psychiatrist, with particular expertise in women’s mental health.

A key member of the group since 1998, she co-founded our holistic approach to bariatric patients - the hallmark of the St Anthony’s service since its inception: Over the same period she has personally assessed over 300 patients prior to surgery.

For the last ten years she has co-moderated our patient support group. Her main role in the team recognises both that emotional difficulties and untreated eating disorders may cause their own pain and in some patients interfere with the effectiveness of surgery. Dr McCluskey explains:

"Most patients are emotionally resilient and psychologically strong, but for some past negative experiences become linked to weight issues. There may also be an eating disorder. We can offer interventions and support that may greatly increase wellbeing and benefit following surgery."