In a world obsessed with fad diets, quick fixes, and unrealistic body standards, the true path to sustainable weight loss often remains elusive. Unprecedented times of revolutionary advancements make weight loss therapy appear to be more attainable, but is it really?  

Weight loss management is not a silver bullet. Now that the public has access to the most groundbreaking innovation the weight loss industry has seen in decades, patients are looking to these ‘miracle drugs’ to give immediate and potentially lasting changes. Achieving success on these wonder drugs doesn’t happen overnight; it involves major lifestyle changes.

It’s not just about following a prescribed diet or exercise regimen; it’s getting the support and resources to help you reclaim agency over your body, challenge societal norms, and rewrite the narrative of what it means to be healthy. It’s a departure from the one-size-fits-all approach that has long dominated the weight loss industry, instead placing the power firmly back into the hands of the individual. 

So why is a 360-degree view of patient support so crucial in the context of weight loss therapy? For starters, it recognizes that the miracle drug alone is just the beginning of a bunch of small life changes. Supporting the entire patient can address the root causes of weight gain rather than simply treating the symptoms. By fostering a deeper understanding of the emotional, psychological, and environmental factors patients develop sustainable strategies for long-term success.  

Some patient support programs lean on technology to help patients maintain their medication routines. While technology can be a great reminder or nudge to keep you on track, tech alone won’t motivate and encourage a patient to continue when shame, frustration, or self-doubt becomes overwhelming.

A human voice…the sound of someone who cares whether it be over the phone, projected across a monitor, or in person, is what makes the difference when times get tough. The mere act of having another person to turn to when one gets discouraged to keep them on track could be the difference between success and failure. 

True patient support in weight loss therapy means providing ongoing encouragement, motivation, and confidence to listen to patients and encourage them as they navigate the inevitable ups and downs of the journey. But perhaps most importantly, we must recognize that weight loss is not just about shrinking our bodies; it’s about expanding our minds and reclaiming individual focus on health and wellness.  

Pleio’s GoodStarters are certified peer-to-patient members of the community trained in HIPAA, privacy, security, and soft skills like empathy. They support and motivate patients as they start their new weight loss regime to ensure successful therapy and future behavior change.