Try these 5 Heart Healthy Tips with your Valentine

Updated: 7/14/25

This Valentine’s Day, you might be thinking about doing something for that special someone who makes your heart race. But you should show yourself some love too by doing your part to keep your heart healthy so that it beats strongly for years to come.

Not all heart disease is preventable, but it’s important to take action to prevent it as much as possible. In the United States, one in four deaths every year is due to heart disease, making it the leading cause of death for men and women. But our Medical Weight Loss Clinic team in Grand Rapids has simple steps everyone can take to prevent heart disease.

Here are 5 heart health tips to incorporate into your life — you may even want to encourage your significant other to join you!

1. Get Enough Sleep Every Night

Sleep deprivation can lead to a variety of health problems. A lack of sleep can cause disruptions in blood pressure, metabolism and cause inflammation, which increase your risk for heart disease. For the best health, strive to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night. If you struggle to get enough good sleep, are some tips for how you can sleep better.

2. Drink Green Tea

Whether you drink it hot or cold, green tea can provide health benefits such as helping to lower your LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides. Antioxidants in green tea can help prevent plaque buildup in the arteries too. If you’re in the mood for iced green tea, it’s best to brew it yourself to avoid the high levels of sugar that typically come in bottled tea.

 3. Take Slow, Deep Breaths

Have you ever noticed how when you’re stressed or doing something strenuous, you might hold your breath? This is when it’s especially important that you breathe. When you take deep breaths, it sends signals to your brain to calm down, which in turn tells your body to do the same. When you take deep breaths, the signals of stress, like high blood pressure and increased heart rate decrease. You may even want to try breathing exercises.

4. Exercise

The heart is a muscle, and just like the others in your body, it needs to be worked out to stay strong. We recommend that you exercise for 30 minutes a day, five days a week to help keep your heart healthy.

5. Get Regular Physical Exams

The best way to be in control of any heart-related issues is to be vigilant before they even appear. Make sure to get regular exams by your primary care doctor so that you can address any potential heart health problems they may find from the onset.

For more information on how you can prevent or manage heart disease with proper diet, contact Medical Weight Loss Clinic today for a free consultation. Schedule your consultation online or call 248-353-8446.

Causes and Prevention of Heart Disease

What causes heart disease? Heart disease affects the blood vessels and cardiovascular system. Several different problems can result from this, many of which are related to a process called atherosclerosis, a condition that develops when plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. This buildup narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through. If a blood clot forms, it can stop the blood flow, causing a heart attack or stroke.

Unfortunately, heart disease can take many other forms as well, including:

• Heart failure or congestive heart failure, which means that the heart is still working, but it isn’t pumping blood as well as it should, or getting enough oxygen.

• Arrhythmia or an abnormal rhythm of the heart, which means the heart is either beating too fast, too slow or irregularly. This can affect how well the heart is functioning and whether or not the heart is able to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.

• Heart valve problems can lead to the heart not opening enough to allow proper blood flow. Sometimes the heart valves don’t close and blood leaks through, or the valve leaflets bulge or prolapse into the upper chamber, causing blood to flow backward through them.

How can you prevent heart disease?

Some heart disease risks can be controlled, some cannot, but with the right education and care, heart disease in women can be treated and prevented.

Studies show that healthy choices have resulted in 330 fewer women dying from heart disease per day. Here are some lifestyle changes that contribute to this number:

• Don’t smoke

• Manage blood sugar

• Lower and maintain a healthy blood pressure

• Lower and maintain a healthy cholesterol

• Stay active and exercise regularly

• Lose weight and maintain a healthy weight

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet

To learn more, visit: https://www.goredforwomen.org/about-heart-disease/facts_about_heart_disease_in_women-sub-category/causes-prevention/

This is why we suggest regular visits to Medical Weight Loss Clinic

Updated: 7/14/25

If you have tried to lose weight on your own before and ultimately ended up frustrated, you may find that having the expertise of the Medical Weight Loss Clinic team to support you makes all the difference. That’s why face-to-face interactions are so critical to your success in a MWLC program.

Whether you choose a program option with grocery food and supplements or a provider-based program that involves meal replacement or weight loss medications, we recommend that you visit your clinic three times a week.

Lauren Lipinski, manager of the Livonia Medical Weight Loss Clinic, insisted that frequent visits are essential to a patient’s successful weight loss journey.

“First, it keeps accountability and structure to their schedule,” she said. “Coming in frequently ensures the patient is adhering to their program. It keeps them focused and determined, and it is a constant reminder of their results. Second, it keeps staff up to date with the patient’s challenges. If challenges are being faced, it gives the staff the opportunity to counsel that patient and get them back on track, or provide the necessary advice or ideas they are looking for to combat that issue.”

Lipinski explained that it’s estimated that patients who go to the clinic three times a week or more lose on average, 1 to 1.5 pounds more per week than those who visit less frequently.

“Speaking with someone face-to-face is a more personable experience, and in person a patient can reveal their struggles more openly and get the help they need,” she said.

Making MWLC visits convenient

At MWLC, we strive to give patients the best quality care and service, and we make it convenient to visit the clinic. There are no copays or appointments, and our hours accommodate most schedules, with early morning, evening and even Saturday hours.

We also typically keep the visits brief, between five and 10 minutes. Visits involve a weigh-in, blood pressure reading and a conversation about how you feel, what your recent food choices have been and what upcoming challenges you may face.

Lipinski conversely noted that patients who do need more help receive the attention they need too.

“If the patient is struggling with their busy lifestyle or simply sticking to the plan in general, the visit may take a little longer, so that we can put together a plan of action,” she said.

If you are ready for accountability and guidance to help you achieve the weight loss you desire, contact Medical Weight Loss Clinic today. Book your free consultation here or call us at 248-353-8446.

Make Corporate Wellness count in 2019 with Medical Weight Loss Clinic

A new year often brings new resolutions. It’s the ideal time for companies – as well as individuals - to commit to health.

No one knows this better than Tracy Strieter, Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s wellness and business development coordinator. She’s been with the company for 28 years and connects directly with business owners and human resource professionals across two states. More than 90 Michigan- and Ohio-based businesses are currently enrolled in Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s Corporate Wellness programs.

“We are their valued weight loss resource,” Tracy says. “We extend special discounts to employees which they can take advantage of at any of our more than 30 clinics, but we also provide on-site group education and motivational Lunch and Learns to help keep their weight moving in the right direction - down!”

If a business is looking to provide lunch and learn programs that focus on wellness, Tracy can help. She says every service is customized based on a company’s needs.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic provides free resources like Lunch and Learn programs to keep your company on track.

Now more than ever, she says, companies are committed to the health and well-being of their employees. And because company-offered insurance rates are based on overall health and biometrics like cholesterol, BMI or weight, these programs can offer an advantage for companies who want to get involved. The savings can be substantial. For example, Tracy says, “when employees are overweight it can cost more than an extra $4,000 per year in health care and related costs.”

Tracy points out another advantage. “A lot of companies do have wellness programs – or companies they outsource to,” she says. “But a lot of them do not have experience with weight loss. We continue to be a resource for them. It’s important to get good information out to business owners and their employees - so they can make healthy choices.”

The best part? Medical Weight Loss Clinic offers these programs free of charge.

There is no cost to join the company’s Corporate Wellness programs. Medical Weight Loss Clinic employees work directly with human resources staff members to coordinate lunch and learn programs or other company-sponsored events. “We provide tips to help everyone stay on track.”

Some participating businesses ask Tracy to track the success – like total pounds lost, average weight loss and average BMI loss - of their employees. For example, one insurance company lost a half of ton of weight and decreased their BMI over 5 points by utilizing Medical Weight Loss Clinic's corporate wellness services. When she sees success like this, she says, it really shows that Medical Weight Loss Clinic programs make a difference and create a positive change for everyone.   

It’s simple for businesses to get involved, too. Contact Tracy Strieter directly at (248) 254-7320 to learn more about Corporate Wellness programs. Or, get expert advice on how to follow through with your health and nutrition resolutions by contacting Medical Weight Loss Clinic today. Book a free consultation here or call 248-353-8446.

At the Clinic: Clinic Manager Nicole Vandy Bogurt devotes herself to wellness

Medical Weight Loss Clinic Manager Nicole Vandy Bogurt works hard to make sure her staff and patients enjoy their experience – and that means anytime they walk through the door in our Muskegon, Michigan location.

For Nicole, work mirrors her studies and providing the tools to health and weight management is something she is most passionate about.

Nicole joined Medical Weight Loss Clinic over a year ago – and last December she earned a promotion from consultant to manager. She found the company while pursuing her master’s degree in public health nutrition from Adelphi University based in Garden City, New York.

“After doing some research on what Medical Weight Loss Clinic has done all over the state of Michigan to help people live happier and healthier lives, I knew I wanted to be part of that type of workplace,” she says.

Her studies have been a perfect complement to the work for her master’s degree, which Nicole completed in December 2018.

“My work has definitely inspired aspects of learning as I finish up my degree,” she mentions. “Currently, I am working on my thesis about proper weight maintenance after a major weight loss. Providing the best service to my patients based on current research is always my goal.”

Nicole names her favorite part of her job as educating patients on how to live a healthier life.

“We have a great system that our patients can follow to take all the guess work out of losing weight,” she says. “However, it is the knowledge of what food does in your body that can make a lasting impact on our patients. I just love to see a patients’ face light up when I answer their really tough question and help them have a better understanding of food and nutrition.”

Nicole lives in Coopersville, Michigan with her husband and three cats. She is focused on her education, but looking forward to spending more time on her hobbies – and that includes painting and playing violin.

“I hope to eventually get more involved with the community to make sure public health and nutrition is an important agenda for our local community members,” Nicole says. “Healthy diet is the best preventative medicine out there and I have a huge passion for helping others creating healthy meals for any budget or circumstance.”

Nicole says she hopes patients interested in weight loss become more comfortable sharing their personal journey after visiting her Muskegon clinic. The secret? It’s simple - providing encouragement.

“We don’t let (patients) give up because they had a slow week of weight loss,” she says. “We keep them going so they can see their hard-earned results – whether it’s a number on the scale, amount of inches lost, improved cholesterol or blood sugar levels. We make sure we give them a great perspective of how holistic their success is and that is what makes patients stick with it.”

Meet passionate experts like Nicole as you focus on your own health journey; contact Medical Weight LossClinic today! Book your free consultation here or call us at 248-353-8446.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic encourages those with IBD to share stories this Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week

We’re in the midst of an important week here at Medical Weight Loss Clinic – Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week extends until Dec. 7, 2018. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis both represent types of inflammatory bowel diseases. According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, IBD affects an estimated 1.6 million Americans. Crohn’s disease impacts the gastrointestinal tract, while ulcerative colitis is often limited to the colon. Both chronic illnesses are marked by an abnormal response from the body’s immune system. Men and women are equally impacted by these diseases.

That’s why this week, the foundation encourages those with related health challenges to share their stories with #myIBD. It isn’t restricted to those who have been diagnosed with either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis – but those who are caregivers or have friends and loved ones with these chronic illnesses.

Owner David Paull, of Medical Weight Loss Clinic, has a strong personal connection to this cause. And it’s one we feel many friends, family and members of our community may connect with as well.

“I was diagnosed with Crohn’s in 2008,” David says. “Once I was healthy enough to do so, I wanted to get involved. I knew that a friend of mine had Crohn’s and he was on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. I asked him how I could get involved and he recommended that I join the board, which I did in 2012.”

His work with CCF ties in closely with his role at Medical Weight Loss Clinic. “At Medical Weight Loss Clinic, we are interested in promoting a healthy lifestyle, and diet and nutrition plays a big role in this,” he adds. “The same is true for people who suffer from IBD or Intestinal Bowel Disease.”

David urges those with questions about programs at the Clinic or concerns related to Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis to ask questions and seek help. Many programs at the clinic address health issues including those associated with IBD. “The kinder you are to your digestive system, the kinder it will be to you,” he says.

David is proud to represent the Michigan Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, based in Farmington HIlls. He will serve as its president in 2019.

“I am excited with the opportunity to grow awareness for the Foundation,” David says. “Ultimately our goal is to find a cure. I hope to get more people involved with the organization and raise more money for research. I am grateful that I am in a position to give back.”

To learn more about their mission and the work David is doing there, please visit

http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/chapters/michigan.

To learn more about the Medical Weight Loss Center and how healthy choices can enhance your life, call 248-353-8446 or visit https://mwlc.com. 

Find your motivation with help from Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s manager in Shelby Township

Updated: 7/14/25

As manager of the Shelby Township Medical Weight Loss Clinic, it’s Tracy Stefanides’ job to provide ongoing support, motivation and inspiration to her team and patients.

An avid runner, Tracy encouraged a patient to work a few minutes of running into the walking routine he would do as he waited for his daughter to get out of dance class. She suggested that he switch between running and walking until he could run a full mile and that he build on it week by week.

“One day, he walked in and said he ran four miles straight through,” Tracy says. “I was overjoyed with excitement that he had accomplished such a great goal. I encouraged him to keep working at it and said two of the days he should try and go faster then his usual running pace.”

Before long, the patient asked Tracy if she would run the 5K at the Romeo Peach Festival with him, and she jumped at the chance. His goal was to complete the race in less than 30 minutes, so Tracy helped him keep a good steady pace throughout.

“I kept encouraging him to keep going and told him he was doing great! Coming up to the end of the race as I looked at my watch, I knew he was going to not only hit his goal but CRUSH it by running a 29-minute 5K. I was beyond excited for him!” she says.

The experience made her realize how helpful it can be for patients to hear about her own goals and how she works toward them.

“It helps the patients visualize and work toward their own goals,” she says. “We all have something to work toward, and having goals will help keep you on track and focused, and having a support system can help you stay accountable to your goals.”

Tracy has always loved working with people, and in her role at MWLC, she thrives on helping them succeed on their health journey. To her, the best feeling is knowing that she changes lives, and she focuses on patients’ wins, whether it’s being able to tie their shoes, travel comfortably, get off a medication they’ve taken for years or even make the decision to take control and change their life with weight loss.

“Their successes are my successes. And every success is exhilarating and makes me even more passionate to help,” she says.

While running is a part of Tracy’s daily life, she also likes to travel with her boyfriend Joe and chihuahua Munchkin. She loves to explore other areas of the country to see what life is like there and to learn about its history. During her downtime, Tracy’s guilty pleasure is watching reality crime dramas, and she tries to solve the case before the end of the show.

If you are ready to begin your weight loss journey with practitioners like Tracy who are passionate about helping you become your healthiest self, contact Medical Weight Loss Clinic for a free consultation at 248-353-8446 or click here to schedule online.

How to avoid the first visit jitters at Medical Weight Loss Clinic

Updated: 7/14/25

Men and women of all ages are inspired to visit us here at Medical Weight Loss Clinic – and they come for so many reasons. Some are looking to lose weight for an upcoming event – a wedding, reunion or vacation. Others have seen our TV commercial and walk in declaring that in fact they too have “tried everything!”

Whatever the reason, all patients share one thing in common. They got over any jitters and signed up for a first consultation with our highly-qualified staff.

Kelly Smith, regional supervisor at Medical Weight Loss Clinic, admits she never tires of telling new patients that “this is the last weight loss program they will ever need to try!” And she means it.
“People know that if they could’ve done it on their own, they would have,” she says.

Every patient who walks through our doors starts with an initial, individual consultation. Kelly claims that many patients may begin this journey unhappy about an aspect of their health, weight or something else. Fear not, it’s often the first step toward success. And it’s the success of other patients that truly drives new patients to try our program.

Here’s what to expect when you take that first step toward a health and wellness program at Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

Get a look around
“A first consultation is meant to be a welcoming environment for a potential patient,” says Kelly. “We introduce patients to the staff, show them around the clinic and review their medical history.”

Give us an hour
It’s really nothing to be hesitant about. An initial consultation takes about 45 minutes to an hour. We ask patients to bring a list of any current prescriptions to ensure we’re taking that into consideration when designing a plan. Each patient is different and has different needs. We understand that.

“Weight loss is personal,” says Kelly. “We have a small window of opportunity to show each individual that we are here for them. We want everyone to feel that they were THE most important person that we met with that day.”

And it’s true. Because the counseling our patients receive does not follow a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s quite the opposite.

Expect a customized approach

“What sets us apart, is our ability to meet with them individually and design a program for them,” Kelly says. “We ask them questions about their personal life, social life, work environment, best and worst food habits and medical history and throw all their answers into a metaphorical mixing pot. From here we are able to design a program specifically tailored to their needs.”

Get real

Honesty is the most important aspect of a first consultation. Our manager and counselors are well-trained, understanding and here to support you. We can only do that if we’re able to design a proper plan from the start.

Kelly mentions: “While our programs are not difficult to follow they do feature a new way of thinking about food. Our staff is here to help every step of the way. We have the patients weigh in every day their first 2 weeks of program to iron out all the kinks.  It is usually a very smooth transition.”

Feel supported

We hire managers and consultants who are relatable, kind, well-spoken, intelligent, driven and can easily relate to all types of personalities. The most rewarding moment for all of us comes when our patients see results.

Often patients tell us that it was worth investing in our staff to be their coaches and cheerleaders AND it was worth investing in themselves. And that makes the effort worth it for all of us.

If you have tried everything and can’t get the results you’re aiming for, or if you are just starting out in a wellness journey, we are here to help. Book your initial consultation at 248-353-8446 or visit www.mwlc.com for more.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic pros share the secrets to preparing meals ahead with ease

Updated: 7/14/25

Meal prepping helps you build and maintain a healthy lifestyle. When you have a nutritious meal ready when you need it, you’re less likely to reach for an unhealthy vending machine snack or make a fast food stop.

You might think you don’t have the time to commit to meal prepping, but Sarah Schafer, Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s Canton manager, says if you have an hour or two to watch TV, you have an hour or two to prep your meals for the week.

Here are some of Sarah’s tips for how to set yourself up for success with meal prepping to make it a regular part of your healthy living routine.

Meal Prep Your Way
There are several ways to meal prep. Find what’s right for you. One popular approach is to prepare, cook and portion out a few meals into different containers.

Sarah prefers to do a “batch cooking day.” She picks one day a week — Sunday is popular for many people — to spend an hour or two cooking all of her food basics for the week that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of meals. Stock up on groceries for your meal plan's requirements, but emphasize variety, she says. Pick up at least three different proteins, some eggs, four different veggies, and at least a few starches.

Sarah's 4 Steps for Simple Meal Prepping:

1. Get your workstation ready. Fire up the grill (or grill pans for indoor grilling), get the slow cooker out and pre-heat the oven. Place a couple pots on the stove.

2. Prepare proteins. Season several servings of chicken breast and grill it all at once. Boil a dozen eggs and peel, store in an airtight container with water. Brown ground beef or ground turkey in a pan and store it in a container. Stick a roast in the slow cooker with prepared MWLC Chicken Bouillon Fiber, and let it cook.

3. PARTIALLY cook a few veggies ahead of time. Sarah likes to keep bags of frozen broccoli, frozen green beans, and frozen cauliflower in her freezer at all times. Empty the contents of a bag into a microwaveable dish and add 1-2 tablespoons water, then cover and microwave for four to five minutes. Store each vegetable in its own container.

4. Pre-cook all your starches. Roast sweet potatoes in the oven. Cook a pot of brown rice or quinoa. Steam a bag of plain, frozen corn in the microwave. Store each starch in its own container.

Now, you have all these plain ingredients cooked and ready to build into meals later in the week!

Try Mason Jar Salads for an Easy On-The-Go Meal

When it comes to making a full meal in advance, Sarah says mason jar salads are a great choice. They are simple, quick to make and healthy!

Get several quart-sized mason jars with lids and layer your salad ingredients with dressing at the bottom and stacking ingredients from hardest to soft. Here’s an example of how to assemble a mason jar salad:

Layer 1: Dressing

Layer 2: Protein

Layer 3: Crunchy, hard vegetables

Layer 4: More delicate ingredients, like tomatoes.

Layer 5: Lettuce or other greens

Then just shake it up and put your salad on a plate to enjoy!

Keep Meal Staples on Hand

It’s a great idea to stock up on your most commonly used and hard-to-find ingredients. This way, you have them when you need them and you can be ready to cook, even if you don’t have time to get to the store.

Meal prep staples Sarah recommends to always have on hand are:

• Fresh meats, stored in the freezer. Buy when they are on sale, put them in the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator one or two days before use.

• Frozen bags of vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, kale, green beans are great to have on hand. You can even buy sliced onion and bell peppers for sautéing.

• Frozen bags of berries. You can use these for smoothies, mixed in yogurt, or thawed in the microwave and use as a topping for various MWLC Nutritional Supplements.

• Brown rice, quinoa, cous cous, wild rice. For the best deals, buy these grains from the bulk bin and store in containers.

• Sweet potatoes. They stay fresh in the pantry for so long!

• Diet snack crackers. Portion them into snack bags so they’re ready to grab anytime.

• Light English muffins. Store them in the freezer for a quick re-heat. Top with an egg and slice of tomato for quick breakfast.

• Canned tuna.
  
  Get Perishable Items on your Weekly Grocery Trip Aim to buy perishable items that don’t require much prep. Good examples of these foods are:

• A container of spring mix greens. There’s no need to cut/wash lettuce; just place paper towel over greens and close the container. This will absorb excess moisture and prolong shelf life.

• Bags of apples, oranges, and grapes. Wash them, grab and go!

• Eggs, fresh or already hardboiled/peeled.

If you are ready to begin your weight loss journey and develop a personalized meal plan, contact Medical Weight Loss Clinic today, and we’ll help you get succeed! Book your free consultation here or call 248-353-8446.

Why we’re in favor of a medically-supervised approach to wellness

There is a common misconception that dieting is easy. All it takes is a slight change to the food you eat and – voila! – extra pounds will melt away and you’ll be able to fit into that outfit you bought for your high school reunion.

If only it was that easy. The fact is: dieting is difficult.

Individuals who want to lose weight often think they can do it on their own. And if that doesn’t work, no diet will work either. It doesn’t have to be that way.

At Medical Weight Loss Clinic, we take an approach grounded in nutrition and medicine to help you reach wellness or weight loss goals.

“Losing weight is not only a physical challenge, your psyche can get put through the wringer during the process,” said Tracy Strieter-Mandrik, wellness and development coordinator with Medical Weight Loss Clinics. “We have the personnel on hand to help make this fight easier.”

We look at obesity as a medical condition and have the ability to treat it, as such, with a medical solution.

Depending on a patient's individual health and goals, our doctors may prescribe a safe and effective appetite suppressant to help achieve weight loss. Patients in our prescription therapy program see a medical provider once a month who helps them treat their obesity through a program backed by medical science.  And this support comes in addition to our personalized counseling services. The combination ensures that patients are working toward meeting their weight loss goal – and maintaining a healthier approach to life.

If you’ve tried everything and can’t get the results you’re looking for, look to Medical Weight Loss Clinic to see how our medical approach can help. Book a free consultation at 248-353-8446 or schedule online here.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic supports the AHA Grand Rapids Heart Walk and 5K Scrub Run

On Saturday, Sept. 29 the American Heart Association hosted its 2018 Grand Rapids Heart Walk and 5K Scrub Run at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, Mich. We’re proud to say that Medical Weight Loss Clinics hosted a team of 22 at this event showing our support of its mission. Janet Stephens was one proud participant. “I walked for my family and Medical Weight Loss Clinics,” she said. “My heart issues took me away from my job and that was not acceptable.”

The American Heart Association’s mission is simple: “Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.” The organization aims to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent and reduce death from cardiovascular disease and stroke by 20 percent by the year 2020. Learn more about the many ways they are working to achieve this.

Janet said the event served as a good fit for her team and for Medical Weight Loss Clinics.

“We have worked with patients who have cardiac issues, so we fit in well,” she said. Not only did the Heart Walk’s mission coincide with the health benefits of the services offered to our patients, but we are also believers in the American Heart Association’s goals.

What meant the most to participants, like Janet?

“Listening to those who spoke about their journey and differences the made for them,” she said. “Lots of tears!”

The American Heart Association’s Grand Rapids area event is nearing its goal of $190,000. Janet brought in more than $300 in donations on her own, with hundreds more coming from the team. The event may be complete, but donations are still possible online.

At Medical Weight Loss Clinics, we aim to help patients prevent heart disease and stroke by providing the tools and support for a healthy lifestyle. Learn more at http://www.mwlc.com and call 248-353-8446 to book your initial consultation.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic has a history of success stories

Updated: 7/14/25

When we started Medical Weight Loss Clinic in 1986, our founders did so knowing we could offer a better way to lose weight, and make healthier choices to keep it off.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic represented a new vision -  a physician-supervised, one-on-one program customized for each patient, our goal was to help each individual who walked through our doors attain exactly what they needed.

It was sometimes a shock to the people who initially did walk through our doors when it began. After all, the 1980’s were all about fads and excess - and that included dieting. People who sought to lose weight wanted it to come in the form of a silver bullet. This demand paved the way for The Beverly Hills Diet book, and Richard Simmons hawking Deal-A-Meal on television screens. Everywhere you turned, it seemed, there was a new diet on the market to help us shed pounds.

But that’s the thing about fads: they’re short-lived and can fizzle out as quickly as they appeared.

From the start, our founders and staff at Medical Weight Loss Clinic knew better. What we offered seemed like a departure from “quick and easy” – a mantra that seemed to rule that decade.

Now, more than 30 years of success in the industry proves our founders were on to something.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic has more than 15 locations throughout Michigan, with more clinics planned for the future. And because every patient is unique, we continue to use the same approach - a customized, non-surgical weight loss program with the success stories to prove it works. Our commitment to helping our patients lead better lives continues.

Commitment and dedication is the fastest way to lose and keep weight off, and that’s what you’ll find when you visit one of our clinics.

For more information about Medical Weight Loss Clinic, or to schedule an initial consultation, please visit www.mwlc.com.

Cheer on our Honored Champions at the Tour de Cure Sept. 30 in Detroit

Each year, thousands of bike riders take to streets in their hometowns to fight diabetes and its challenges as part of the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure. This year in Detroit, hundreds will gather at Comerica Park to ride – or walk - for a great cause. Medical Weight Loss Clinic is thrilled to be a part of it all on Sept. 30.

To celebrate this event, we are bringing with us four people we call our Honored Champions. These team members will share their weight loss journey and give hope to those who struggle to lose weight – for any reason.

“These individuals were chosen to be MWLC Honored Champions because they serve as role models for those who struggle with diabetes, heart disease, stroke, Crohn’s disease or colitis,” said Tracy Strieter, Wellness and Business Development Coordinator, Medical Weight Loss Clinic. “Through their stories, they continue to make a positive impact on their health through our services, and inspire others along the way.”

Meet our 2018 Honored Champions:

Vivian D. – At the age of 43, Vivian suffered a stroke that was due to a hole in her heart and high cholesterol. After her cardiologist voiced concerns about operating on her because of her weight, Vivian enrolled in a program at Medical Weight Loss Clinic and lost 40 pounds over the course of 3 months. Her doctor credits her weight loss success with the fact that surgery is no longer necessary, and she can get off of her cholesterol medication.

Kyle L. – When Kyle Lobes used to look at his kids, it was with a sense of foreboding that his weight might prohibit him from watching them grow and thrive. When his weight topped out at 284 pounds, he knew he had to make some changes, lest he regret it. So he started on a program last November at Medical Weight Loss Center and has watched more than 70 pounds melt away as he focuses on eating better and chasing his kids around the house.

Maurice M. – Maurice has a history of diabetes that runs in his family, and his doctor informed him recently that he was straddling the border of diabetes, due to his weight. As an avid gym-goer, Maurice was discouraged with his loss of energy due to weight gain. But after losing 50 pounds at Medical Weight Loss Clinic, he finds he has the energy needed to attack the gym as often as he likes, which has made his weight loss journey one with a happy ending.

Tony T. – Like many, Tony struggled to lose weight for a long time. He tried every method he could but didn’t find lasting success until he joined programs here at Medical Weight Loss Clinic. His waist size went down 10 inches and he was able to stop taking three medications. Tony believes in following the program and said his confidence and relationships are all the better for it.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s participation in the Tour de Cure is part of its 2018 Giveback Campaign where we support and give back to the continual research and community services provided by the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Michigan in 2018.

Want to join our champions? To register to ride in the Tour de Cure Michigan, or learn more about the event, please visit their website.

If you have tried everything and can’t get the results you’re aiming for, or if you are just starting out in a wellness journey, we are here to help. Book a free consultation at 248-353-8446 or schedule online here.

Teach your child how to be well during Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Rates of childhood obesity in the U.S. have tripled since the 1970s, and despite recent optimism that those rates are stabilizing or dropping, the latest evidence proves otherwise.

A study published this year in the journal Pediatrics found that childhood obesity has steadily risen since 1999, with the biggest jumps among kids ages 2 to 5 and teenage girls between 16 and 19. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that about one in five kids and teens between ages 6 and 19 are obese.

This month, Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, we want to remind parents and caregivers that it’s critical that you help your children fight back against statistics like these. Childhood obesity can have wide-ranging side effects, some of which may last into adulthood.

According to the CDC, children with obesity are at a higher risk of acquiring other chronic health conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint issues, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. They are also more likely to develop these health issues and others, such as many types of cancer, in adulthood. In addition, obese children are more likely than their peers to suffer from depression, low self-esteem and social isolation.

Here’s how you can help your child avoid obesity and maintain a healthy weight.

• Limit screen time to less than two hours a day. “A great way to limit screen time without your children missing it is to encourage active play and participate with them,” says Erika Petrie, Medical Weight Loss Clinic service coordinator. “Go for a walk with them before or after a meal or take a bike ride as a family.”

• Make sure water is your child’s main beverage and that it is accessible throughout the day. Limit other beverages to one or two per day. A low calorie/low sugar beverage is ideal.

• Let kids help prepare and plan a few meals a week. Create a balanced meal with lean protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and milk. Make sure the meals your children build are low sodium and sugar.

• Plan a structured daily schedule, and set a time for dinner that you sit down with the family to eat. “It’s important that you get your children into a routine of when they should eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a young age,” says Christina Karas, service coordinator at Medical Weight Loss Clinic. “This helps kids avoid bad eating habits that are hard to break when they get older.”

• Make sure your kids have a good breakfast within the first hour or so of waking up. This sets the pace for their day, refueling their body with essential vitamins and nutrients, and giving them energy.

• Portion food groups at mealtime. Do not go back for seconds unless you are still physically hungry and encourage your children to do the same. “Eat slowly and give your body 20 minutes to let your food settle. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to send a message to your stomach to let you know you are full,” Petrie says.

• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Sleep is just as important to your children's development and well-being as nutrition and physical activity. Karas notes that, “The amount and quality of sleep we have can affect our safety, how alert we are, as well as our memories, moods, behavior and learning abilities.”

• Give your children healthy snacks. Stay away from salty sugary snacks such as chips, candy, cookies and cakes. Instead be creative with snack time, and make them fun. One fun idea Petrie and Karas recommend is to spread peanut butter on a slice of whole grain bread, add blueberries for the eyes, a slice of banana for the nose and a sliced apple for the mouth, then make fruit kabobs with the leftover fruit slices.

• Have children help grow their food. Get them involved with planting a garden of fresh herbs and vegetables. “If they help grow and take care of the food they planted they are more likely to eat it or at least try it,” Karas says.

Do you want to get your weight to a healthy level that will help you feel confident in being a role model for your children? Contact Medical Weight Loss Clinic for a free consultation at 248-353-8446 or click here to schedule online.

National Wear Red Day 2018

Did you know that heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year – more than all cancers combined? Fortunately, we can change that because 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action.

Today, Friday, February 2nd, 2018 is the American Heart Association's 'National Wear Red Day'!  Medical Weight Loss Clinic encourages our patients to join us by participating in 'National Wear Red Day', to promote education about heart disease, stroke, and living a healthy lifestyle.

You can 'Go Red' by eating a healthy diet, following an exercise routine, visiting your doctor for regular health tests, and influencing others by talking about heart health.

Let's Unite on 'National Wear Red Day'!

February is American Heart Month

Did you know that an average of 2,200 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day?  That’s an average of one death every 40 seconds.  Fortunately, we can make a change in these numbers!

February is ‘American Heart Month‘, which focuses on educating individuals about heart disease and stroke, what the risk factors are, and how to prevent these conditions.

The best way to achieve a lower risk of heart disease and stroke is by eating a heart healthy diet, in proper portions, and by being regularly physically active.  February is the perfect time to start making small changes to your lifestyle, that can lead to a lifetime of heart health.

Here are a few ways to celebrate 'American Heart Month':

• Encourage your family to make small diet changes with you, for example, swapping salt out with other spices to season meals.

• Schedule a visit with your doctor, and talk about heart health! Knowing your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose) is important in determining your risk for heart disease. Don't be afraid to ask questions!

• Exercise regularly. Start small, for example parking farther away at the store.

• Eat healthy! Follow your meal plan, and include variety.

• If you smoke, work on quitting!

Looking for a fun way to get active?  Join the MWLC Walking Team at the 2018 Michigan AHA Heartwalk!  Register Here:  http://mwlc.com/Community_Events.php

Top 5 Most Beautiful Bike Routes

Updated: 8/6/19

Car, foot or boat, there are a plethora of locales to visit, but during the summer, nothing beats taking in the sights on two wheels. We have more than 1,300 miles of biking trails in Michigan, but in the “land of the hand”, here are the 5 must ride bike trails with beautiful views to take in almost any time of the year. What are your favorite Michigan locations? Have you visited the Dequindre Cut?

Link to article:  http://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/2017/07/27/lower-peninsula-michigan-bike-routes/

August Blueberry Festivals

Summertime in Michigan means a plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables growing throughout the Great Lakes state. We can celebrate fresh eating at farmers markets, corner stands and even festivals but the time is right to celebrate blueberries, now in season through August.

Packed with fiber, low in calories and loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants, Blueberries are a great addition to your diet.   The superfood has also been linked to improving memory, fighting against cancer and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Celebrating Blueberries

There are multiple festivals happening in Michigan during blueberry season, all of which offer fresh, family-friendly fun.

• National Blueberry Festival, South Haven – The 54thannual National Blueberry Festival will be held Aug. 10-13. The festival includes a basketball tournament, live music, downtown sidewalk sales, paint and wine classes, blueberry pancake breakfasts and more.

• Montrose Blueberry Festival, Montrose – This hometown festival takes place Aug. 16-20. Take in a classic car show, pie eating contest, arts and crafts show and more. Parades, races and a carnival mean there’s fun for the entire family to enjoy.

• Wild Blueberry Festival, Paradise – Celebrate the growth of wild blueberries at this festival, which runs from Aug 18-20. Enjoy art, music, nature and of course, food. While you’re visiting Paradise, make sure to experience the nearby natural beauty with stops at Tahquamenon Falls and Lake Superior.

CCFA Take Steps Walk!

DON’T FORGET!  This weekend is the CCFA Take Steps Walk!  This Saturday, June 10th, 2017 is the Royal Oak Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation Walk at Meininger Park!  We encourage all MWLC patients to join the MWLC Talking Team to come out and walk with us this weekend!  It’s a great way help raise awareness about Crohn’s and Colitis, healthy living, and being physically active.

Don’t forget to register for the walk! Visit: Events and join the MWLC Team today!

Something NEW this year….MWLC patients that participate in the June 10th CCFA Walk, will earn a FREE week of our Freedom weight loss services and an MWLC Team Shirt.  And by making an online donation, patients can receive an additional FREE week of our Freedom weight loss services!  Walk registration and/or donations must be made through Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s Team Page.

We hope to see you at the walk this weekend!

Certificate of Appreciation from TACOM

We were visited by a representative from TACOM today and Nick was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for our sponsorship of the US Army Family and MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation). The US Army Family and MWR offers programs, services and activities for US Army Soldiers and their families that they wouldn’t normally be able to afford.  These programs are designed to relieve stress, build strength and resilience, and help the Army Family stay physically, mentally, and financially fit.

We are thrilled to support this great cause and appreciate the recognition!