19 Jan Telluride Med Center: Help to Lose Those Pesky Pounds in 2026!
The Telluride Medical Center suggests that as we enter a new year, many have or will set intentions around health, energy, and feeling more comfortable in our bodies. Weight loss often rises to the top of that list— and for good reason. Excess weight can affect joint health, blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep, and overall quality of life. 74 percent of Americans are overweight; 40 percent are obese. You are not alone!
For more general information about Telluride Regional Medical Center, please visit tellmed.org.
Go here for lots more history about the Telluride Medical Center (dating back to 2009).
And please scroll down to read a note about weight loss and related drugs from Dr. Sharon Grundy.
One of the most important messages I want to share is this: weight gain and weight loss are not simply a matter of willpower.
Weight loss is hard.
Our bodies are remarkably adaptive. The brain tightly regulates body weight through a complex network of hormones and signals that influence hunger, fullness, metabolism, and energy use. Many people have what we call a “set point”— a weight range that the brain works hard to defend.
When someone loses weight, especially after years of gradual gain, the brain may interpret that loss as a threat. Hunger hormones rise, satiety hormones fall, and metabolism can slow. In effect, the body works against the person, often pulling the individual back toward his or her highest sustained weight.
Those challenges become even more pronounced with aging, menopause, hormonal changes, stress, poor sleep, and sedentary work.
The science behind GLP-1 and GIP medications
Medications that target GLP-1 and GIP receptors work on pathways already present in the body. They help regulate appetite and metabolism by increasing fullness, reducing hunger, slowing stomach emptying, and improving insulin sensitivity.
These medications are not for everyone, but they may help people who struggle despite lifestyle changes, particularly during aging or menopause.
Side effects are usually mild and monitored closely. Some patients use these medications long term; others will transition off of them with the guidance of their provider. The goal is sustainable health.
Lifestyle still matters!
These medications support, but never replace healthy eating, movement, sleep, and stress management.
How to start the conversation
“I have been working on my diet and activity, but my weight continues to feel hard to manage. Can we talk about whether medical tools might support my efforts?”
We at TMC offer a compassionate approach to weight loss management. You are not broken, and you are not failing. We now have better tools to support lasting change.
Warm regards,
Dr. Grundy
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