Medical Weight Loss Clinic Owner David Paull is a 2024 Honored Hero

Medical Weight Loss Clinic Owner David Paull’s Crohn's disease symptoms started nearly 20 years ago. His journey with the disease led him from diagnosis to advocacy, where he’s focused on supporting others through work with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

In acknowledgement of his resiliency and dedication to the cause, David has been named 2024’s adult Honored Hero for the foundation's Southeast Michigan Take Steps Walk on June 8.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic Owner David Paull will be celebrated this spring as an Honored Hero during the Southeast Michigan Take Steps Walk.

“I was stunned and humbled when asked to be this year’s adult Honored Hero for the Take Steps Walk,” he says. “I do my best to avoid public recognition for trying to do the ‘right thing’ in supporting the foundation, but I also realize that I am in a position to bring awareness to this disease and the foundation. I feel it is my duty to do whatever I can to help raise funds that go to supporting those afflicted and ultimately finding a cure.”

Inspired to Act

David’s personal experience with Crohn’s propelled him into action. He dealt with what he believed to be issues with a “sensitive stomach” for five years before his symptoms became so unmanageable that he sought treatment.

According to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, “Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.” The cause isn’t well understood, but irritable bowel disease, which includes Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, affects one in 100 Americans. People can experience any combination of these symptoms – from abdominal pain to anemia to a skin rash - and they can range in severity.

There are treatments but no cure.

“After undergoing many tests, some of which were not so comfortable, I was finally diagnosed with Crohn’s disease,” David says. “I immediately went on heavy doses of steroids and a cocktail of other drugs to try and help my symptoms. I was fortunate: I only needed two surgeries and quickly found a drug that I could inject every two weeks. When that became less effective, I switched to infusions every six weeks, which I still receive. After years of struggling, I am in remission.”

Once his symptoms were under control, David felt compelled to give back and help others who suffer from Crohn’s and colitis. He decided that the best way he could help was to raise money and awareness. He reached out to a friend who also suffered from Crohn’s and was a board member at the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. David volunteered with the foundation before he was asked to join the board. He was a board member for 10 years, three of which he served as president.

Overcoming Silence

The Take Steps Walk is the foundation’s largest fundraising event and will take place at 10 a.m. June 8 at the Southfield Civic Center Complex. Money raised helps accelerate research, advance treatments, and provide education and support programs to improve quality of life for those living with IDB.

Not only does the event raise crucial funds but it also fosters a sense of empowerment and solidarity among those affected by these diseases. It provides a platform for individuals to come together, break the stigma surrounding IBD, and celebrate resilience. 

David has experienced this support firsthand, participating in the Take Steps Walk since his diagnosis.

“IBD is often a very isolating and embarrassing experience,” he says. “I remember showing up to my first walk and being amazed at the way people were celebrated for their courage in this fight. To show up to a walk and see hundreds of people who are going through a similar experience is very empowering. The Take Steps Walk is a wonderful day that is about overcoming the stigma of living with a disease that is often uncomfortable to discuss. We need to erase the shame of IBD and show our support to those who continue to thrive against tough odds.” 

David is proud that, in addition to his work with the foundation, he can support members of the Crohn’s and colitis community through Medical Weight Loss Clinic, which is an active sponsor of the walk.

“If an IBD patient needs to lose weight, they often become frustrated because so many weight loss programs do not accommodate the specific needs that IBD patients require,” he says. “At MWLC, we can help anyone with IBD get on the path to a healthy, balanced food plan that will help them lose and maintain their weight.”

David encourages you to join the walk or make a donation to take steps toward cures for IBD. Read more about David’s experience with Crohn’s and the pediatric Honored Heroes here.

*Results may vary. Minimum purchase required. Some restrictions apply and discounts may not be used for online purchases.
When you enroll in a Medical Weight Loss Clinic program, the length of your program will be determined by you and the staff based on the amount of weight you want to lose and how quickly you want to lose it. Your actual weight loss will be determined by many factors, including, but not limited to: your medical circumstances, the plan you choose, adherence to the meal plan and use of nutritional supplements. Your goal and program duration information will be given to you in writing at the time of enrollment. As your program progresses, the rate you lose weight may change and you will have the opportunity to discuss this at every daily visit with your weight loss consultant, where changes to your meal plan and/or program can be made.