Picturing Success: How Shaunetta Cross regained her active, athletic lifestyle

Shaunetta Cross rediscovered her athletic figure with help from Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

When Shaunetta Cross visited the Southfield location of Medical Weight Loss Clinic in October 2018, she thought she was just stopping in to see what it was all about. Shaunetta planned to start her weight loss program in the New Year because she didn’t think she would lose weight during the holiday season.

“They were like, ‘Nope — why are we waiting?’ And I’m so glad I didn’t because I probably would have added more weight,” she says. So with a little encouragement from MWLC staff, Shaunetta jumped on her weight loss program right away and still enjoyed the holidays.

“I was so proud of myself. I still enjoyed my family, I still ate, but I did not overdo it,” she says. Shaunetta even met her goal of losing 35 pounds in just 16 weeks.

 A lifestyle change with MWLC

She turned to MWLC after becoming frustrated that her weight continually hit new highs in recent years. She says poor diet choices while being busy with her two kids and teaching career were to blame. Eventually, ankle pain and swelling caused the former high school and college athlete to cut back on physical activity too.
“I even had a medical procedure done; it didn’t help (the swelling). But losing the weight and changing my diet really did,” she says. It also improved her sleep apnea.

Find out how Shaunetta Cross lost 35 pounds.

Shaunetta arrived at MWLC after asking people she knew who lost weight how they did it.

“When I saw the results of a person who did the Medical Weight Loss, I went in, and it was reasonable for me and I was able to use my FSA (flexible spending account),” says the 41-year-old Detroiter.

Shaunetta does her part to inspire others to join Medical Weight Loss Clinic because of how well it’s worked for her and how easy it was to follow the program.

She says it’s been a lifestyle change. She doesn’t cook with salt anymore and reaches for other spices instead, along with lean meat. She also makes sure to be prepared with healthy snacks for on the go so she avoids fast food. 

What Shaunetta found to be most helpful is that the Medical Weight Loss Clinic team has taught her how to eat well on a regular basis.

“I don’t always have to be consumed with ‘I can’t eat that’ or ‘I can’t have that.’ I just can’t overdo it,” she says.

She admits that sometimes she has her moments where she strays from her healthy eating lifestyle, but, Shaunetta says, “I think they’ve taught me how to reel it back in and do what I’m supposed do if I don’t want to get back to adding on those 30-plus pounds.”

She also benefitted from the MWLC team breaking down sample diets for her to follow and suggesting meal swaps and other program-friendly ways to manage special events like brunch or dinner parties.

Accountability from the clinic and beyond

Shaunetta says she usually checks in at her clinic every couple weeks, but sometimes gets busy, and it takes longer for her to get there. She likes that when that happens, she gets a call from someone at the clinic checking on her.

“You build these relationships with the people who work at the clinic,” she says. “They’re cheering and rooting for you, so you don’t want to feel like you’re going backward or falling off when you go to see them.”

“I know they’re in my corner and they’re pushing me to make sure I stay at my goal.”

With the help of the MWLC staff and her supportive teenage son and daughter, Shaunetta stays focused on maintaining her weight loss. 
“I just want to maintain where I’m at and not going back and reverse to gaining that weight. The ankle pain was, like, for real, and I know if I hit that threshold or a certain weight, it really affects my health,” she says.

Now she volunteers with a local track club and is getting active again herself.

“Now that I don’t have sore ankles, I’m getting back out to jogging, and I’m planning to get out for the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon,” she says.

And it’s thanks to her determination with the Medical Weight Loss Clinic program.

“I stand by it 100 percent. It truly works. It is doable,” she says. “It’s a simple, easy plan to incorporate into your daily life.”

You can start your weight loss journey and receive personalized guidance and support today. Schedule your free consultation with Medical Weight Loss Clinic online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.