By Rachel Smith, ARNP, Weight Management at The Group, Ob
I hear myself say it all the time, we are not just chasing a number on the scale. At The Group, Weight Management is not your typical weight-loss program. My patients tell me this, and it always makes me glad to hear because that’s exactly what we intended when we started this program. We wanted it to be different in an important way, in a way that matters for our patients. We are here doing the hard work of changing lives, helping our patients put all the pieces of the weight-loss puzzle together. If our patients don’t learn something on their weight-loss journey, then they are not a success story, no matter how much weight they lose.
Research based on data compiled in the National Weight Control Registry reveals that long-term maintenance of weight loss is possible as long as the individual is able to adhere to the lifestyle changes that helped them lose weight. Because of research like this and other studies which have shown that the best weight management programs are comprehensive in nature, we knew we wanted our program to provide the kind of comprehensive support that would enable major lifestyle change.
As a nurse practitioner, being able to offer a weight management program that is truly medically managed is important to me. With a thorough screening process as well as ongoing monitoring, we can help ensure that our patients lose weight safely. As an integrative health coach, I bring another set of skills and values to the table in this practice. Health coaching is based on the science of behavior change, and it has as its core philosophy a whole-person approach to wellness. I start my work with patients by encouraging them to look at the larger picture of wellness and develop a clear vision of their own health goals. Then, together we explore how every aspect of their physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing as well as their relationships and environment interplay to act either as a barrier or a support as they move toward their health vision.
My patients often hear me asking them questions about whether they’re happy with their job or whether they value themselves as a person as much as they value a specific role they fill, such as mother, wife, or employee. Through our work together, I help them see that stress, relationships, and environment play a huge role in their overall health and are as important as some of the more obvious things like nutrition and exercise. We set realistic short and long-term goals. We discuss actionable steps to move toward these goals, and we brainstorm ways to work around any barriers that might crop up. It is through health coaching that our patients are able to make real, lasting lifestyle change.
With this philosophy in mind, Weight Management at The Group has planned a special event this spring. We will be hosting Flourish: A Wellness Symposium on April 22. This special day of learning will be dedicated to helping you discover your healthiest self and will feature local health experts and holistic practitioners, healthful community resources, breakout sessions, and an opportunity to engage with the experts over a delicious and healthful lunch. If you are ready to take your wellness to the next level — mind, body and spirit — you will not want to miss this day.
The Group Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists offers a comprehensive weight management program for men and women of all ages. Call 563-355-1853, ext. 1218 today to take control of your relationship with food, your weight, and many underlying health issues you may be experiencing! For registration information on Flourish: Wellness Symposium, please visit obgyngroup.com. We cannot wait to meet you.
Find out where your weight loss journey could take you.
Flourish: Wellness Symposium
April 22nd, 9am – 4pm at Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists, The Group.
A Symposium dedicated to enhancing all aspects of your health, body, mind, and spirit, including expert speakers, a healthy lunch, breakout sessions, and much more.
Lock in Your Ticket Today
Registration info at obgyngroup.com