CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Obesity can be treated, and for some people the most effective path goes beyond popular weight-loss drugs to include long-term support for both mental and physical health.
After trying what she described as countless yo-yo diets, Tiffany French enrolled in TriHealth’s Weight Management Center program. She said she not only lost weight but has kept it off. (WKRC, Provided)
Tiffany French of Anderson Township said she has struggled with her weight for most of her life. “I think my earliest diet I can remember was probably fourth, fifth grade,” French said.
After trying what she described as countless yo-yo diets, French enrolled in TriHealth’s Weight Management Center program. She said she not only lost weight but has kept it off.
French described the mental and emotional side of weight loss as a major part of her experience. “You look in the mirror and you still see that 383 pound body, even though that’s, you know, the scale now says 186. Like, how do you reconcile all of that? And talking through that with someone who can help you to grasp that that’s normal,” she said.
French has worked with Vickie Fraser at the TriHealth Weight Management Center. Fraser said the program’s focus is broader than dieting. “Our goal is, as an organization, is to help people have a healthy relationship with food and their bodies,” Fraser said.
TriHealth said each patient’s needs are assessed and a personalized plan is developed based on health, lifestyle and goals. Fraser said behavioral health support can be important for many patients. “A lot of people have you know trauma they have complex depression anxiety where they have taught themselves to reward with food,” she said.
French said the work continues even after reaching a goal weight. “The journey doesn’t end because the scale gets where you want it to be. That journey is still ongoing and behavioral health has, you know, they come alongside you and they’re with you every step of that process,” she said.
It has been five years since French started the TriHealth program. She has kept the weight off and makes videos to stay accountable and positive. She also encouraged her husband to sign up. “He’s lost 90 pounds as of yesterday. So unbelievably amazing cause he’s tried everything too,” French said.
TriHealth said it is accepting new patients and a referral is not required. The center offers a range of care, including nutrition and lifestyle support, advanced medications and bariatric surgery.