Weight loss is often a challenging journey, filled with ups and downs. Many people struggle with food addiction and unhealthy eating habits. However, with determination, support, and the right strategies, significant transformations are possible. Maureen Hagar's weight loss journey is a testament to this, showcasing how a person can overcome numerous health challenges and achieve remarkable results through lifestyle changes and unwavering commitment.
Early Struggles and Health Challenges
Maureen Hagar's struggle with food as a coping mechanism began in her childhood. When upset, she would find solace in candy bars, a habit that persisted over the years. By the age of 65, Maureen weighed 395 pounds. Her weight led to several serious health issues, including Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, requiring multiple medications. Mobility became a challenge, and she needed a walker to move around.
The Turning Point
Faced with these daunting health challenges, Maureen knew she needed to make a change. According to Sutter Medical Foundation family physician Dr, Maureen was determined to avoid gastric surgery and weight loss drugs. Instead, she sought a more sustainable approach. Joining a nutrition group marked the beginning of her transformative journey, setting her on a path to lose 195 pounds.
A Comprehensive Approach to Weight Loss
Maureen's success wasn't solely due to one method but rather a combination of several key strategies. These included nutritional guidance, regular exercise, emotional well-being, and consistent medical support.
Nutritional Guidance and Support
Sutter Medical Foundation registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator Gina Whiteley played a crucial role in Maureen's journey. In 2019, Whiteley began working one-on-one with Maureen, who had already made significant progress through the nutrition group. Whiteley encouraged her to keep a food journal and helped her identify healthy food choices, reinforcing positive changes.
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The Importance of Exercise
Exercise became an integral part of Maureen's daily routine. She began working with Derek Conway, a certified personal trainer at a local gym. Conway emphasized the importance of combining nutrition with fitness and emotional well-being. The results were remarkable. Currently, Maureen exercises a minimum of three hours every day, demonstrating her dedication to her health.
Overcoming Setbacks
Weight loss is rarely a linear journey, and Maureen's experience was no exception. She experienced a setback when she regained almost all of the 85 pounds she had initially lost following two unrelated surgeries and the closure of her gym during the pandemic. However, with the support of Whiteley, Maureen got back on track, proving her resilience and commitment to her goals.
Medical Support and Monitoring
Maureen's healthcare providers at Sutter Medical Group played a crucial role in her progress. Physician assistant Hannah Guletz noted significant improvements in her mobility. Initially, Maureen's husband would wheel her into the room in a wheelchair. As she lost weight, she transitioned to using a walker and eventually only needed a cane.
Dr. Manish Upadhyay, the endocrinologist, helped her manage her diabetes. Conway said that Maureen monitored her glucose level after every meal and taking her medications and doing all those different things that she learned from Sutter.
The Power of Mindset and Community
Maureen's journey highlights the importance of mindset and community support in achieving weight loss success. Her story resonates with those who have struggled with weight loss and the emotional challenges that often accompany it.
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Shifting the Mindset
Maureen's experience underscores the importance of shifting from a diet mentality to a healthy lifestyle mentality. As an independent health & wellness coach, her mission is to spread healthy habits and lifestyles as widely as possible. This involves reframing thoughts to achieve desired outcomes and equipping individuals with the tools to overcome obstacles.
Building a Supportive Community
Recognizing the need for community, Maureen created the Pathways to Health hiking and biking group during the pandemic. This group provided a healthy environment for people to come together, share their experiences, and support one another. Weekly Zoom calls with the group offered specific topics for discussion, cooking demonstrations, and mindset training.
Maureen McCormick's Perspective on Addiction and Sobriety
Maureen McCormick, known for her role as Marcia Brady in The Brady Bunch, offers additional insights into the challenges of addiction and the journey to sobriety. Her experiences highlight the importance of seeking help and support in overcoming personal struggles.
Overcoming Addiction
Maureen openly discussed her struggles with drug addiction, which lasted for six to seven years. She emphasized the importance of recognizing addiction as a disease and seeking help without shame. Her path to sobriety was transformative, and she credits it with improving her life and career.
The Role of Support
Maureen also acknowledged the role of her husband in her sobriety journey. His ultimatum-choosing between him and drugs-was a turning point in her life. She emphasized the importance of having a strong support system in overcoming addiction.
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Current Life and Future Goals
Today, at 73 years old, Maureen Hagar weighs 200 pounds. She is no longer on diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure medications. Her confidence increases every day. She exercises a minimum of three hours every day.
Maureen's goals include walking without a cane and reaching 170-180 pounds.
Lessons Learned and Words of Encouragement
Maureen's journey offers valuable lessons for anyone struggling with weight loss or other health challenges. Her story emphasizes the importance of determination, support, and a comprehensive approach to lifestyle changes.
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