Debby Parker, a 61-year-old mental health professional, has experienced a remarkable transformation—losing over 67 pounds and getting closer to her goal weight of 135 pounds. Her journey to better health wasn’t an easy one, but through the support of LifeMD’s weight management program, she turned her life around. Here’s her incredible story of perseverance, change, and self-compassion.

Struggles with Weight and Health

Debby’s struggles with weight began in her mid-30s, as she entered perimenopause. “After that, it was downhill,” she recalls, explaining how her body began to change and her weight crept up. By 2024, Debby found herself at 210 pounds, facing serious health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and prediabetes. She had tried various methods to lose weight—clean eating, intermittent fasting, and workouts—without success. Feeling defeated, she even reached a point where she considered giving up. But with the support of her partner, Valencia, she found a lifeline.

Discovering LifeMD’s Weight Management Program

In 2024, Debby came across LifeMD, a virtual platform offering a weight management program designed to help people lose weight and improve overall health. With the guidance of a physician, she began a program pounds that included medication and regular check-ins. For the first time in years, Debby felt hope. Her treatment included Mounjaro, an anti-obesity medication that helped curb her hunger and cravings. Just three weeks in, Debby started noticing changes and began feeling stronger, both physically and mentally.

Overcoming Obstacles and Embracing Change

Debby’s weight loss journey wasn’t without challenges. After starting Mounjaro, she experienced side effects like nausea, cramping, and constipation. Fortunately, LifeMD’s approach to care meant that Debby had regular check-ins with her doctor, who helped adjust her treatment as needed. With their support, she overcame these hurdles and continued to make progress.

LifeMD’s holistic approach to weight loss went beyond simply shedding pounds. The program’s “6S” Framework for Health focuses on key elements of well-being: sleep, sustenance, sweat (exercise), stillness/self-talk, stress management, and social interactions. For Debby, the most powerful aspect was shifting her negative self-talk into positive, supportive thoughts. “Even though I’m a therapist, my own self-talk can be just awful, but [the encouragement] they offer is great,” she says.

Breaking the Stigma of Obesity and Medication

Debby’s journey also included pounds confronting the stigma surrounding weight loss medication, like GLP-1s (Mounjaro). Many people feel ashamed to seek medical help for obesity due to societal pressure, but Debby encourages others to consider medication if they’ve tried everything else. “There’s nothing wrong with taking medication if you’ve done all you can do,” she says. She believes that, for many, the medication was the extra push they needed to succeed in their weight loss journey.

Losing weight is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and the right approach. Whether it’s through diet, exercise, or medical support, shedding pounds takes time and consistency. It’s important to set realistic goals, focus on overall health, and celebrate progress along the way. Remember, weight loss isn’t just about the number on the scale, but about feeling healthier and stronger both physically and mentally.

Inspiring Others and Embracing Self-Compassion

Through her own journey, Debby has become even more empathetic with her clients who struggle with their weight. As a therapist, she helps others with disordered eating, and her personal experience has made her more compassionate. She advises clients to be patient with themselves and to celebrate even the smallest victories. “It’s okay to stumble, and it’s okay to adjust your plan along the way,” she says.

Debby’s weight loss story is a powerful reminder that progress is about more than just numbers on a scale. It’s about health, self-compassion, and finding pounds the support you need to reach your goals. With the help of LifeMD and her own determination, Debby has changed her life—and she’s now inspiring others to take control of their health, too.