The Weight I Carry: A Personal and Medical Weight Loss Journey Toward Health

Weight Loss has been a struggle. I’ve been carrying extra weight and trying to lose weight for years now, and it weighs on more than just my body. It affects how I move through the world, how I see myself, and how I believe others see me. I could not achieve weight loss after I had my child – everything changed. My body didn’t bounce back like I hoped it would. Between caring for a newborn, returning to work, and juggling the everyday stressors of life, I just couldn’t find the time, energy, or motivation to prioritize myself. The pounds crept on and stayed, and despite countless attempts—fad diets, exercise routines, calorie counting—nothing seemed to truly stick. It’s not just about vanity; I feel uncomfortable in my own skin, and it’s hard to explain to others just how deeply this struggle affects every area of my life.

What makes it harder is that I’m not alone in this. Many people in my family have struggled with weight for as long as I can remember. We bond over food, but we also carry a shared sense of frustration and shame. My husband, too, has been affected—he was injured at work and now lives with chronic pain and reduced mobility. It’s been difficult for him to stay active, and the physical toll has impacted his confidence and our shared health goals. We both know what it’s like to want change but to feel overwhelmed by how far we have to go. We’re not lazy or undisciplined. We’re stuck in a cycle that feels impossible to break without help.

Understanding the Health Benefits of Weight Loss

Weight loss is not just about fitting into smaller clothes or conforming to societal standards—it can have profound medical benefits, especially for individuals with obesity or overweight-related health concerns. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% of total body weight can result in significant improvements in overall health and a reduction in the risk of chronic conditions.

Here are some of the key medical benefits of weight loss:

  • Improved cardiovascular health: Weight loss can lower blood pressure, reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and improve HDL (good) cholesterol levels, decreasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
  • Better blood sugar control: Losing weight helps regulate insulin levels and can prevent or manage type 2 diabetes.
  • Joint pain reduction: Excess weight puts strain on joints, especially in the knees, hips, and lower back. Weight loss can ease this burden and improve mobility.
  • Improved sleep and breathing: Weight loss is linked to better sleep quality and can reduce symptoms of sleep apnea.
  • Enhanced fertility and hormone balance: For women, weight loss can regulate menstrual cycles and improve reproductive health.
  • Mental health boost: Physical health improvements often lead to enhanced self-esteem, reduced anxiety, and better mood overall.

When approached in a safe and structured way, weight loss can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the likelihood of developing severe medical conditions in the future.

Evidence-Based Approaches to Weight Loss

Sustainable weight loss rarely results from quick fixes or extreme dieting. Long-term success is best achieved through a combination of strategies tailored to the individual. The most effective approaches integrate nutrition, physical activity, behavior modification, and sometimes medical intervention.

  1. Nutritional Guidance

Healthy weight loss begins with a balanced approach to food. This means reducing calorie intake while ensuring proper nutrition. Rather than eliminating entire food groups or labeling foods as “bad,” dietitians focus on portion control, mindful eating, and balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Key strategies include:

  • Tracking meals and snacks to increase awareness of eating patterns
  • Planning meals to prevent last-minute unhealthy choices
  • Reducing sugary beverages and processed foods
  • Learning to manage emotional eating triggers
  1. Physical Activity

Regular exercise is critical not only for weight loss but also for maintaining muscle mass, improving mood, and boosting metabolic health. The recommended goal for most adults is 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, combined with strength training exercises.

For individuals with limited mobility—like my husband—adapted physical activity plans can include chair exercises, water therapy, stretching, and gentle strength training. The focus should always be on what the body can do, rather than what it can’t, encouraging movement in a way that is safe and manageable.

  1. Behavioral and Psychological Support

Changing behaviors is perhaps the most challenging aspect of weight loss. This involves addressing habits, triggers, and emotional relationships with food. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other forms of therapy can help individuals identify thought patterns that lead to overeating or avoidance of physical activity. Techniques such as goal setting, self-monitoring, problem-solving, and relapse prevention play a critical role in long-term success.

Support groups and group counseling also provide community, accountability, and motivation, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their journey.

  1. Medical and Surgical Interventions

For individuals with a BMI over 30 (or over 27 with associated health conditions), medical interventions may be appropriate. These include prescription medications and, in some cases, surgical options like gastric sleeve or bypass procedures. These tools are not shortcuts; they are parts of a comprehensive plan designed for individuals who have not achieved success with lifestyle changes alone.

Medications for Weight Loss

There are several FDA-approved medications that can support weight loss efforts. These are typically prescribed when diet and exercise alone have not been sufficient, and when the patient has health risks associated with their weight.

Some of the commonly used medications include:

  • Liraglutide (Saxenda): A daily injectable medication that helps reduce appetite and calorie intake.
  • Semaglutide (Wegovy): A once-weekly injection that mimics a hormone involved in appetite regulation and has shown significant weight loss results in clinical trials.
  • Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia): A combination medication that suppresses appetite and increases feelings of fullness.
  • Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave): Works on the brain’s reward system to help reduce food cravings and emotional eating.
  • Orlistat (Alli/Xenical): Reduces fat absorption in the digestive system.

It is important to note that these medications are intended to be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes and under the guidance of a medical professional. Regular follow-up is necessary to monitor progress and manage potential side effects.

How Hopkins Medical Association Supports Weight Loss

Hopkins Medical Association (HMA) offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to weight loss, recognizing the complex physical, emotional, and environmental factors that contribute to obesity. They offer personalized treatment plans that include medical management, nutrition counseling, behavioral therapy, and physical activity support—all tailored to the individual’s needs and circumstances.

  1. Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Planning

At HMA, patients begin with a full medical and psychological evaluation. This includes reviewing health history, current medications, metabolic labs, lifestyle habits, and emotional wellbeing. From there, a tailored weight loss plan is developed with input from a team of specialists, including physicians, registered dietitians, behavioral health providers, and exercise physiologists.

  1. Medical Supervision and Medication Management

HMA clinicians are trained in obesity medicine and have experience prescribing and managing weight loss medications. They ensure that patients are receiving the right medication based on their health profile and goals. They also closely monitor for side effects, track progress, and adjust treatment as needed.

  1. Nutrition and Meal Planning Support

Registered dietitians at HMA help patients build sustainable eating habits. They educate patients on how to structure meals, read labels, grocery shop on a budget, and manage eating in social settings. They also provide support for managing specific conditions such as PCOS, diabetes, or food sensitivities that may influence weight.

  1. Exercise Planning

Movement specialists work with patients to create customized activity plans, even for those with physical limitations or chronic pain. The goal is to gradually increase mobility and build strength in a way that feels empowering, not punitive. Whether it’s a structured gym program or gentle daily movement, exercise is integrated into a realistic lifestyle plan.

  1. Therapeutic Support and Counseling

Mental and emotional health is prioritized at HMA. Behavioral health providers use evidence-based techniques such as CBT, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness to help patients overcome emotional eating, increase motivation, and manage stress. Therapy can also address body image, trauma history, and self-esteem issues that often accompany weight struggles.

  1. Ongoing Monitoring and Support

HMA emphasizes long-term relationships with patients. Regular follow-up appointments, access to support groups, and online health portals help patients stay connected to their care team and accountable to their goals. The journey is not rushed; it’s supported every step of the way.

A Path Forward

Struggling with weight is not a moral failing—it’s a medical condition that deserves understanding, compassion, and expert care. For individuals like myself and my husband, the journey is deeply personal, but we don’t have to navigate it alone. With the right tools, support, and medical guidance, lasting change is possible.

The Hopkins Medical Association offers more than just weight loss programs—they offer a path to renewed health, vitality, and self-respect. Whether you’re just starting your journey or have tried many times before, the key is not perfection but progress—and having a team that sees and supports you every step of the way.