Mary,* a retired Brigham nurse, has contended with obesity since high school. Over the years, she tried many commercial weight loss programs, old formulations of weight loss medications, and extreme exercise regimens.
“You name it, I’ve tried it and I’ve spent a lot of money,” she says. “I’d lose 40 pounds in two months because of restrictive 500 calorie-a-day diets, but then I’d gain the weight back.”
Tired of the yo-yo effect, Mary nearly gave up trying to manage obesity—until she learned she developed hypertension and needed blood pressure medication. “That was my wakeup call,” Mary says. “I wondered what else was coming down the line with my health.”
This time, she tried a new approach with medically supervised weight loss through the Center for Weight Management and Wellness, drawn to its philosophy to address physical, mental, and emotional factors. Her obesity medicine specialist, Mehmet Furkan Burak, MD, offered options including weight-loss medication and surgery and she chose to take Wegovy. The weekly injectable medication contains semaglutide and is specifically targeted for weight loss and long-term weight management. This past spring, three years after being approved by the FDA, Wegovy received approval for another use: reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death in adults who have cardiovascular disease and are overweight or have obesity.
“For the first time in my life, I don’t constantly think about food,” Mary says. “The medication helps control my cravings and makes me feel fuller. Now, I can walk and climb stairs without issue, and I feel wonderful. Dr. Burak said I probably added five years to my life.”
She appreciates the structure, support, and scientific backing of the hospital-based program. About a year after starting Wegovy, she joined the center’s online program, which suggests foods to incorporate and offers weekly reminders about exercise and nutrition.
Mary lost 40 pounds with a combination of the weight-loss medication, a balanced diet, weightlifting, and regular walking. Her blood pressure stabilized, and she was able to decrease the dosage of her hypertension medication.
“The process has been gradual,” Mary says. “Now, I don’t diet; I just try to eat healthy foods and don’t overeat.”
*Name changed to protect privacy.