Find out how this Medical Weight Loss Clinic patient banished binge eating

For 49-year-old Teresa Pecoraro of Canton, adding semaglutide to her weight loss efforts has given her the freedom from binge eating she sought for years.

Translating and speaking on her behalf, Teresa’s husband Alessandro Vitali explained that she had struggled with binge eating off and on for 30 years. Then, in the fall of 2023, about a year after relocating from Italy, Teresa sought help from Medical Weight Loss Clinic in Canton. Alessandro says she specifically looked to MWLC for guidance after reading about the benefits of injectable weight loss medications like Ozempic.

After starting at 196 pounds, Teresa expects to hit her goal weight of 130 pounds within the next few months with Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

“She tried several times to lose weight in the past and she did well with some medical support but had never used semaglutide,” he says. “Semaglutide, in combination with a specific diet that has been provided, is now giving her a big improvement. She lost 60 pounds in nine months.”

Teresa has received a steady dose of semaglutide since she started taking it and says her experience has been positive. She felt a bit nauseous and tired for the first couple months, especially for the first couple days after a weekly injection, but that’s almost stopped.

“It’s not an issue,” Alessandro says. “It’s something she can manage quite well.”

After starting at 196 pounds, Teresa expects to hit her goal weight of 130 pounds within the next few months. In the past, she has struggled to stabilize her weight after meeting a goal, but feels supported by our staff and confident she will succeed.

Beyond the semaglutide, Teresa and Alessandro say the support from clinic staff when it comes to diet has been helpful as they adjust to food shopping and eating in the United States.

“She wants to mention as well that being Italian and moving to the U.S., it was not easy for us to find healthy food and keep a healthy diet,” Alessandro says. “We know how to do it in Italy but not here. There are several similar products but not the exact same. The suggestions from the clinic were really helpful.”

Grocery shopping in the United States was challenging for Medical Weight Loss Clinic patient Teresa, who moved here from Italy. She found support and helpful medication she needed.

The changes Teresa has made and experienced thanks to the combination of the semaglutide and a custom meal program from our Canton team has had real impacts on her life. In addition to the weight loss, Alessandro says Teresa’s sleep apnea has dissipated. She’s also experienced less knee pain and water retention. Thanks to these improvements to Teresa’s health, the 10-hour flights to and from Italy are much easier for her than they had been before she began her program.

To learn whether a semaglutide may be the right tool to add to your custom weight loss program with Medical Weight Loss Clinic, schedule a free consultation today at MWLC.com.

It's soup season! Cooking tips from our own Medical Weight Loss Clinic soup pro

Jaye Cooper loves comfort foods as much as anyone. She admits snacks and desserts are tempting – but on cold wintery days like these, the warmth of a hot soup made with fresh herbs and spices is the way to go.

Try a new soup recipe and warm up from the cold outside. | Photo by Edgar Castrejon on Unsplash

Jaye has been an employee with Medical Weight Loss Clinic for 18 years and currently serves as a senior consultant at the Farmington Hills location. She shared some of her expert advice for those looking to warm up while sticking to a healthy program. After all, winter is soup season!

“Preparing soups with fresh, colorful vegetables puts you in control over what you eat,” Jaye says. “It’s more economical, low in calories and fat and power-packed with natural vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients to keep you strong, energetic and to help you lose weight.”

When seeking a soup recipe, using fresh meats and vegetables provide more flavor. Though, if you’re looking to save time, fresh frozen vegetables are an option. Just be aware that they do cook faster and can become too soft more quickly. Jaye suggests avoiding canned, boxed or processed foods that can contain extra sodium, harmful trans fats or too much saturated fat which can lead to higher cholesterol or weight gain.

“Soups are a welcome solution for those with hectic schedules because they can be made in advance and in huge quantities, then frozen or refrigerated until they’re needed,” she says. “Soups keep you feeling full. They are appropriate for dinner parties, family meals or a quick pick-me-up on snowy days.” 

And when it comes to making soup for a healthy meal, the choices are as diverse as the regions of the world they represent. 

Jaye notes: “Flavors reflect cultural and regional diversity, for example Hungarian Goulash comes from my lineage. Try a Southern Catfish Stew, Cajun Gumbo, Italian Minestrone or Coq Au Vin from France. 

Medical Weight Loss Clinic offers nutritional supplements that can be used as a soup base or incorporated into a wide array of recipes. So, the options are endless.

“Have fun,” says Jaye. “Try something new. Explore the world for fresh root vegetables, spices and herbs that will transform any meal into a delightful, warm and soothing repast.”

Check out our website for more soup recipes and inspiration. And if you’re ready to start your healthy journey, schedule your free consultation online or call 1-800-GET-SLIM today.

Picturing Success: Denise Williams embraces self-care

With the birth of her last child in June 2015 and juggling work and a blended family of seven, Denise Williams faced new challenges in taking care of herself.

Denise was someone who hadn’t struggled with her weight before – then a year after her daughter’s birth, she had gained 40 pounds and weighed more than she did at nine months pregnant. She had always fluctuated between pant sizes of 8 and 10, but eventually couldn’t fit into size 12 anymore. She refused to go up to a size 14, so she only wore leggings.

“I had reached a weight that I’d never seen before,” she recalled. “I believe my weight gain was due to the adjustment of my newborn and work/life balance. Due to sleepless nights, I would just settle for fast food after work. The thought of hiring a trainer and working out several times a week did not fit into my busy schedule. I have a blended family of seven. My house is always busy with homework, sports, activities and daily tasks. I was in need of a realistic diet that would fit into my busy lifestyle.” 

Ask Denise Williams how a healthy change to her diet has impacted her life.

The decision to join the Dearborn Medical Weight Loss Clinic changed her life. In 23 weeks, Denise lost 40 pounds and 16 inches. She said she’s healthier now than she’s ever been.

“Of course, losing the 40 pounds I gained was important, but the bigger prize for me was learning how to implement a healthy diet,” she said.

Denise learned to plan her meals each week. When she leaves home, she avoids fast or unhealthy foods because she always has a bag with her where she keeps meals and snacks that get her through the day. 

“I couldn’t be happier with my new, healthier lifestyle,” she said. “I am a completely different person. My personality has changed. My new lifestyle has changed many of my priorities. My life is much more balanced. I am very confident and more energetic.”

Denise’s advice to others on their weight loss journey is to not become discouraged. To help stay on track and motivated, she said she recommends that patients drink as much water as they can, maintain a food journal and track successes - and don’t give up on themselves.

“It can be challenging in the first few weeks, and sometimes, there will be tough weeks when you may feel the weight isn’t coming off fast enough. Be patient! If you stick to the program, you will see results.”

If you are ready to transform your life and lose weight, contact Medical Weight Loss Clinic today for a free consultation. Book online or call 248-353-8446.

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.