Southern NH Weight Management Celebrates Milestone 

More than 500 bariatric/metabolic surgeries since 2021  

More than 9,500 patients consulted  

More than 80,000 pounds lost  

These numbers show the overwhelming success of Southern New Hampshire Weight Management patients and the expert care that our providers offer our community every day. But these aren’t just numbers; they represent real people who have been touched and real lives that have been reclaimed. Through consultations, assessments, planning, and treatment, we offer real solutions for those struggling to lose weight. 

Recently, the program reached an important milestone: more than 500 bariatric surgery patients. Each of those procedures represents a patient who made the decision to change their health and a care team committed to supporting them every step of the way.  

Over the last five years, thousands of patients have partnered with the providers and staff at Southern New Hampshire Weight Management to navigate their journey toward living healthier, happier, more fulfilling lives. That road can be challenging for sure, but it is not insurmountable by any means, and the stories of those who have benefited from this comprehensive care are impactful and meaningful. 

Living proof that weight loss surgery works 

Emily and Scott Howard, a southern New Hampshire couple married for more than 20 years, know how lives can be transformed with help from Southern NH Weight Management. With the help of the team, they came to understand that obesity is a disease that needs treatment like other conditions and recognized that they should embrace help and guidance without embarrassment.  “I wish I could go back and tell my past self that obesity is a disease, and if you treat it like a disease, you will be successful. It’s not a moral problem. You’re not weak. You’re not deficient,” Scott said, looking back on his treatment. Scott and Emily are two of the more than 500 bariatric/metabolic surgical cases that Southern NH Weight Management has performed since 2021 and are a testament to the results members of our community can expect. The Howards now share a healthy, sustainable lifestyle with their children. They hike with llamas, rock climb, and have toured Iceland and France.  

They have been freed from the physical limitations that held them back, and now comfortably fit on waterslides, airplane seats, and rollercoasters. 

Dr. Robert Catania, a surgeon with Southern NH Weight Management, explains, "Obesity is a complex, chronic disease, not a character flaw. Scott and Emily’s success highlights the fact that surgery is a powerful, evidence-based tool when used within a complete lifestyle change and supported by our multidisciplinary team." 

Next-generation medications for obesity  

And now, the toolbox for weight management providers has expanded. The development of GLP-1 shots like Ozempic and Wegovy, which is now also available in a pill form, is a next-generation approach. GLP-1s had been used exclusively for diabetes treatment. Now, these drugs are being heavily advertised while simultaneously becoming more easily accessible.

However, there is still a lot of research to be done, and like any new medical development, GLP-1s should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider who has expertise in weight management. This is not a shortcut to weight loss. There are different dosages, formulations, and brands. Just because tennis star Serena Williams was in a Super Bowl commercial talking about taking a GLP-1 does not mean people looking for long-term, significant, healthy weight loss should start using them without consulting their healthcare provider.   

How weight loss drugs work best 

In her recent podcast, Dr. Ellie Chuang, an endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist from Southern New Hampshire Weight Management, explains that effective management of obesity requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes medical expertise, personalized treatment plans, and lifestyle modifications. Rather than focusing on temporary solutions, the goal is to help patients achieve and maintain their "best weight," which is a sustainable, healthier weight they can maintain long-term.  

Dr. Chuang highlights several common misconceptions about weight loss drugs.  

• GLP-1s are a magic bullet and a quick fix for weight loss. "Not true,” she explains.  While these drugs can be highly effective for some, the response can vary significantly depending on the patient. Some people are "Hyper-responders" and lose a lot of weight, while others may not see much effect at all. 
• GLP-1a are a short-term fix. That is also not accurate. Obesity is a chronic condition, and most patients will need to stay on these medications long-term to maintain their weight. Studies show that stopping the medication often leads to regaining weight within a year or two.  
• These medications can be taken without any lifestyle changes. Again, this is not true. Dr. Chuang stresses that while medications can help, they do not work well alone. Patients are most successful when they also work on healthy lifestyle habits, like balanced nutrition and regular physical activity.  

In order to be successful, people who need to lose weight should work with their healthcare provider to come up with a holistic approach to weight loss. Whether it’s navigating through an exercise, diet, medication or surgery plan, the team at Southern New Hampshire Weight Management is here to help with every step of the journey leading to a healthier life. 

Sign up for a free weight management session at Southern NH Weight Management in Nashua, New Hampshire.