Why sustainable weight loss matters more than quick fixes
In a world where weight-loss trends can go viral overnight, the promise of losing weight quickly can be difficult to resist. From restrictive diets to rapid weight-loss protocols, countless approaches compete for attention, often making it challenging to distinguish what is merely trendy from what is safe and sustainable.
But when it comes to managing weight, the goal goes beyond simply seeing a smaller number on the scale.
Healthy weight management is also about maintaining muscle, improving strength, supporting metabolism and building habits that can be sustained over time.
This was the central message behind Marie France's Go Lose Pounds program, launched at The Conservatory of The Peninsula Manila on September 26. The intimate gathering brought together medical experts and individuals who shared their personal experiences with weight loss, body composition and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The science behind weight gain
The idea that weight gain is simply a matter of willpower has increasingly been challenged by medical experts.
During the event, endocrinologist Dr. Erick Mendoza, who specializes in diabetes and metabolism, discussed the many factors that can influence weight.
According to Mendoza, weight gain can involve a complex combination of biology and genetics, hormones and appetite, sleep and stress, medications, and underlying medical conditions.
That means there is no single approach that works for everyone.
Rather than focusing exclusively on becoming lighter, Mendoza emphasized the importance of strength, mobility and independence. For people trying to manage their weight, reliable information and professional guidance can therefore be just as important as the method they choose.
Marie France medical experts Dr. Macgerald Cueto and Dr. Regie Layug also addressed questions surrounding the pace, safety and sustainability of weight loss during the event.
Their discussions underscored a basic principle: weight management should take into account an individual's health, body composition, lifestyle and long-term goals rather than simply following whatever happens to be trending.
From quick fixes to long-term health
The growing popularity of rapid weight-loss methods has made conversations about safety and sustainability increasingly important.
For some people, weight loss may be one part of improving their health. For others, the focus may be on building muscle, improving fitness, managing body composition or maintaining mobility as they age.
The experiences shared by the Go Lose Pounds participants demonstrate just how different those goals can be.
There is Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, who discovered a new willingness to exercise; Ira Schadewald, who is training for a marathon; Roan Evangelista, who is navigating perimenopause; Gino Quillamor, who wants to break the cycle of weight regain; and Bernadette Allyson, whose experience reminded her of the importance of approaching weight management carefully.
Their stories point to a larger truth: healthy weight loss is not necessarily about getting smaller as quickly as possible. It is about finding an approach that supports the body for the long term.
As Marie France COO Jacqueline Siy-Share said: “No matter the trends, Marie France will always be about what is safe and healthy. That is our truth.”
For anyone considering a weight-loss program, the most important conversation may therefore begin not with the question, “How fast can I lose weight?” but with “How can I become healthier and maintain it?”
Here are some of the highlights of the Go Lose Pounds event:
