Upcoming Support Group Meetings

Weight Loss: A Family Affair
Join us on April 23, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (EST) for a FREE virtual support group session on Microsoft Teams focused on making weight loss a family effort.
This session will explore how involving your family in your weight loss journey can create lasting, positive changes for everyone. Learn practical tips for fostering a supportive home environment, creating healthy meals together, and staying active as a family. We'll also discuss strategies for overcoming challenges and building habits that encourage accountability and mutual encouragement.
Led by Board Certified Physician, Keren Wilson, DO, this session offers a welcoming space to share experiences, ask questions, and gain tools to make health and wellness a shared priority in your household.

Tackling Social Media Misinformation
Join us on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 from 6:00-7:00pm for a FREE virtual support group session via Microsoft Teams with registered dietitian Sara McGowan, MS, RD, LDN, as we dive into the world of social media and how to navigate the flood of nutrition misinformation.
This session will help you identify unreliable health advice, debunk common myths, and better understand evidence-based nutrition. Sara will provide practical tips on how to critically evaluate online content, find trustworthy resources, and make informed decisions about your health.
Whether you're overwhelmed by conflicting advice or want to improve your media literacy, this session offers valuable insights and tools to empower you to take control of your wellness journey.

Budget-Friendly & Time-Saving Meal Prep
Join us on August 20, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (EST) for a FREE virtual support group session on Microsoft Teams with board-certified physician Soumya Ganapathy, MD.
Learn how to prepare healthy, delicious meals without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. Dr. Ganapathy will share practical tips for planning and prepping meals that save both time and money while still supporting your nutritional goals.
This session will cover strategies like making the most of grocery store deals, batch cooking, and using versatile ingredients to create multiple meals. Whether you're cooking for one or a family, you'll walk away with actionable ideas to simplify your routine and maximize your resources. Don’t miss this opportunity to make meal prep easier and more efficient!

Holiday Eating
Join us on December 17, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (EST) for a FREE virtual support group session on Microsoft Teams with registered dietitian Laura Saporito, RD, LDN.
The holiday season is full of celebrations and delicious food, but it can also bring challenges when trying to maintain healthy eating habits. In this session, Laura will share practical strategies for enjoying holiday meals without guilt, managing portion sizes, and navigating social gatherings with confidence.
Discover how to savor your favorite seasonal treats while staying aligned with your health goals. This session offers tips for mindful eating, stress-free meal planning, and fostering a positive relationship with food during the holidays. Join us for a festive and informative discussion to help you thrive this season!

Meal Planning for Healthy Weight Management
Join us on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (EST) for a FREE virtual support group session via Microsoft Teams with registered dietitian Julie Tucci, MS, RD, LDN.
This session will explore practical meal-planning strategies to help you manage your weight in a healthy and sustainable way. Julie will share expert tips on portion control, balancing nutrients, and creating meals that align with your wellness goals. You'll also learn how to navigate common challenges, such as dining out and meal prepping for busy schedules.
Whether you're starting your weight management journey or looking for fresh ideas to stay on track, this session provides personalized advice, evidence-based strategies, and a supportive environment to help you succeed.

Exercise & Brain Health
Boost Your Brain and Body with Exercise!
Did you know that staying active isn't just great for your body—it’s a game-changer for your brain too? Recent research reveals that regular exercise can sharpen your thinking skills and may even help protect against Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Join Certified Physical Therapist Jim Agostino, LPT from Peoplefit Health & Fitness for an engaging virtual session on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 6–7 PM via Teams. Discover practical ways to support and strengthen the most important organ in your body—your brain!

Incremental Change: Setting Attainable Goals for Self-Improvement
Discover the power of small, consistent changes at Incremental Change: Setting Attainable Goals for Self-Improvement. This support group session, led by board-certified surgeon Jacqueline Paolino, MD, offers practical tools and strategies to help you set realistic goals tailored to your unique needs.
Join us on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 6-7 PM via Teams for a supportive group experience hosted by Winchester Weight Management Center. Whether you're embarking on a new journey or seeking fresh motivation, this session provides a safe space to connect, share, and celebrate progress. Together, we'll break down personal growth into manageable steps and embrace every small victory—because even the smallest changes can lead to big results. Register today and take your first step toward a healthier, happier you!

A Nutrition Plan for the Holidays
The holiday season can be a challenging time to maintain healthy eating habits, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to enjoy celebrations while staying on track. Planning ahead is key: consider balancing indulgent meals with lighter, nutrient-rich options and practicing mindful portion control. Simple swaps, like choosing whole grains, filling up on vegetables, and limiting sugary drinks, can make a big difference without sacrificing enjoyment. Join Registered Dietician Laura Saporito, RD, LDN, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 from 6-7pm for a session on navigating holiday temptations with practical tips that prioritize health, satisfaction, and flexibility throughout the season. Register for this FREE virtual Support Group session TODAY!

Body Image & Composition: It's Not All About the BMI
Body image and body composition are crucial aspects of health that go beyond the number on a BMI chart. While BMI (Body Mass Index) can be a helpful starting point, it doesn’t capture the full picture of an individual’s physical health or body type. Factors like muscle mass, fat distribution, and even bone density play significant roles in body composition and can impact health differently for each person. Join Dr. Tony Hesketh on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 6-7pm as he explores how viewing body image through a lens of self-acceptance and realistic goals—instead of focusing solely on BMI—can support a more balanced, healthy approach to weight management and self-esteem. Register for this FREE virtual Support Group session TODAY!

Navigating Weight Regain: Surgical Options After Bariatric Procedures
While bariatric surgery can initially lead to significant weight loss, some individuals may experience challenges in maintaining this progress over the long term. Join Dr. Georgios Orthopoulos on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 6-7pm as he delves into the common reasons for weight regain post-bariatric surgery and presents evidence-based strategies for managing and preventing it. Learn more about the surgical options available for individuals experiencing significant weight regain, and gain insights into revisional procedures and their potential benefits. Register for this FREE virtual Support Group session TODAY!

Breaking the Diet Cycle
Want to break out of the cycle of constant dieting? Instead of trying to control, restrict, or restrain your food intake, learn how to create a healthy relationship with your food and your body. Join Registered Dietician Julie Tucci, MS, RD, LDN on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 from 6-7pm as she reveals the real reasons why traditional diets don’t work - and the new approach that will help you keep the weight off for good. If you’ve been trapped in the diet cycle and aren’t sure how to get out, register for this FREE virtual Support Group session TODAY!

Navigating Stress & Relationships During Your Weight-Loss Journey
Things can get tricky when you’re trying to get healthy but your loved ones aren’t on the same path — especially if you share a home and a kitchen with them. That can put stress on your relationships and you may experience feelings of frustration if others are not being supportive. Join Board Certified Physician Karla Kendrick, MD, MPH on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 6-7pm as she discusses ways to manage this stress and learn how to let people know how they can best help you on your weight-loss journey. Register for this FREE virtual Support Group session TODAY!

Nutrition & Cancer Care: How can my diet impact my risk of a cancer diagnosis?
What we eat and drink can affect our health in lots of ways. Foods affect how you feel, how your body operates and your risk for diseases like cancer.
When it comes to diet and cancer, there are lots of common questions and myths. Join Registered Dietician Sarah McGowan, MS, RD, LDN on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 from 6-7pm and learn more about how eating a healthy, balanced diet can reduce your risk of cancer.

Habits: How to Develop & Sustain Healthy Ones
Many of us try to create healthy habits the wrong way, making bold resolutions without taking the steps needed to set ourselves up for success. Join Dr. Andrew Jones on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 6-7pm as he guides you toward successful habit formation so you can create a system that allows you to do what you want to do. Whether you want to run a marathon or drink more water throughout the day, learn how to set yourself up for success and register for this FREE virtual Support Group session TODAY!

Hormones & the Scale: a Weighty Connection
Hormones play a pivotal role in regulating metabolism, appetite, and fat storage, contributing significantly to weight management. Join Dr. Keren Wilson on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 6-7pm via TEAMS to gain insight on how hormones influence weight and learn practical lifestyle approaches to keep them in balance for better health. Understand the complex interplay of these chemical messengers and discover strategies that can help support your body's hormonal harmony. Empower yourself and register for this FREE virtual Support Group session TODAY!

Mindful Dining Beyond Your Table
Discover the art of heightened awareness and intentional eating, whether you're dining at a restaurant or on the go. Join us Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 6-7pm via TEAMS to learn more about savoring each dining experience while making deliberate, health-conscious choices. Acquire practical tips for staying mindful while dining out, including paying attention to portion sizes, attuning to hunger and fullness cues, and opting for nutrient-dense meals. Foster a healthier and more mindful approach to dining and register for this FREE virtual Support Group session TODAY!

Incremental Change: Setting Attainable Goals for Self-Improvement
Instead of overwhelming yourself with grandiose goals for the New Year, focus on the power of small, sustainable changes that help contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Join Dr. Jacqueline Paolino on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 from 6-7pm via TEAMS to learn more about creating realistic goals, such as incorporating healthier food choices, gradually increasing physical activity and prioritizing consistent habits. Breaking down your weight loss journey into manageable steps helps cultivate a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Empower yourself and register for this FREE virtual Support Group session TODAY!

Mindful Eating
Many people experience anxiety around food. Join us Wednesday, December 20th from 6-7pm via TEAMS to learn more about Mindful Eating and rediscover the pleasure of eating. Mindful eating refers to staying present while eating, as well as paying attention to your body and letting it guide you on when, how, and what to eat. Learn how mindful eating can help you to create a healthier relationship with food and build better eating habits that support both your mind and body health. Empower yourself to make better eating choices and register for this FREE virtual Support Group session TODAY!

Holiday Eating
The Holiday Season has begun! This is the time of year where people love to celebrate with family, friends and food. But, you’ve committed to making healthier choices, and your body thanks you for it! Just remember, your healthy eating habits don’t have to stop during the holidays. This holiday season we want you to count your blessings and not your calories.
Join us on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 6PM - 7PM to learn more about healthy eating during the holidays. This virtual meeting is provided in real time collaboration and communication through Microsoft Teams. To join this FREE support group session on your computer or mobile app, fill out our online request form or call our office at 781-756-6760.

Emotional Eating
When times are tough and emotions get high, it's natural to fall into the trap of emotional eating. Needing to eat to satisfy an emotional urge is different from genuine hunger. Gain insight into the cause of your comfort eating and learn strategies to overcome your urges during this month’s virtual Support Group Meeting. Hosted by Denise Peaslee, a licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in the treatment of eating disorders. She is the owner of the Greater Lowell Personal Development Center LLC; in Chelmsford, MA , since 2008.

Understanding the Basics of Lab Interpretation
Lab results are often confusing and feature dizzying lists of percentages, ratios and mysterious abbreviations. Test results are not always negative or positive, they may be borderline, inconclusive, numerical, reactive, non-reactive, and even your gender may affect the result. An abnormal result does not always mean you are unwell, just as a normal result does not always mean you are healthy. Blood test results can be perplexing, to say the least, but they are a source of insight into your health, and knowing how to read them can be both useful and empowering.
Join board certified physician Souyma Ganapathy, MD to learn more about lab results and useful tips on how to decipher them.

Acupuncture and Weight Loss
Acupuncture improves the body's natural self-healing process by stimulating specific points along the skin using thin needles. There are many benefits to acupuncture from helping to address various injuries and pain management to boosting your immune system, overall balance and even relaxation. Learn more about how acupuncture can help you during your weight loss journey.
Join us on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 6PM - 7PM and learn how beneficial acupuncture can be during your weight loss journey. This virtual meeting is provided in real time collaboration and communication through Microsoft Teams. To join this FREE Support Group Session on your computer or mobile app, fill out our online request form or call our office at 781-756-6760.

Hypnosis for Healthy Eating & Self Care
Hypnotherapy is the use of relaxation techniques to create a state of consciousness where the mind is more receptive to positive suggestions. Hypnotherapy can assist open-minded individuals who desire healthy change. Join us for this FREE support group session and learn more about how hypnotherapy can help you control your physical and psychological responses.
Hosted by Cally Stewart, OTD, OTR/L, CH, certified hypnotherapist who has practiced in a variety of health care settings including cancer care, family medicine, rehabilitation from injury or surgery, and chronic disease self-management.
Join us on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 6PM - 7PM and learn how beneficial hypnotherapy can be during your weight loss journey. This virtual meeting is provided in real time collaboration and communication through Microsoft Teams. To join this FREE Support Group Session on your computer or mobile app, fill out our online request form or call our office at 781-756-6760.

Massage is Well Being for Every Body
Massage and bodywork practitioners play a crucial role in helping us to feel renewed in body, mind, heart and spirit. While it's true that everybody deserves a massage, deserves implies that a massage is something to be earned. And healing and self-care are for everyone. Massage is for EveryBody.
Margie Doherty is a board certified massage therapist trained in a variety of modalities.
Join us on Wednesday, May 21, 2023 from 6PM - 7PM and learn how beneficial massage can be during your weight loss journey. This virtual meeting is provided in real time collaboration and communication through Microsoft Teams. To join this FREE Support Group Session on your computer or mobile app, fill out our online request form or call our office at 781-756-6760.

Creating Habits That Stick
Our habits shape who we are. Though we admit, forming positive habits isn’t always easy. The realities of changing our behaviors can seem daunting, but there are a few steps you can take to form healthy habits to help you stay on track and reach your goals.
Join Dr. Soumya Ganapathy as she discusses different ways to form healthy habits that stick and lead to results. You might be surprised how easy it is keep up the momentum and achieve your goals once you’ve got these tricks in your back pocket.
Ready to form better habits?
Join us on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 6PM - 7PM and learn how to create habits that stick. To join this FREE Support Group Session visit www.winchesterweightmanagement.com to fill out our online request form or call our office at 781-756-6760.

What to Expect After Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery requires a commitment to lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, exercise, and regular visits to healthcare providers.
You may feel happy or excited as you begin to lose weight after surgery. But you may also feel overwhelmed or frustrated by the changes that you have to make to your diet, activity, and lifestyle. Join us on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 6PM - 7PM to learn more about these changes and what to expect after weight-loss surgery.
This virtual meeting is provided in real time collaboration and communication through Microsoft Teams. To join this FREE support group session on your computer or mobile app, fill out our online request form or call our office at 781-756-6760.

Health & Fitness
Regular physical activity is important for good health, and it’s especially important if you’re trying to lose weight or to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise can prevent or even reverse the effects of certain diseases. It can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol and has the power to boost your energy levels. Exercise is also known to help contribute to a sense of confidence and well-being.
Join us on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 from 6PM - 7PM to learn more about the connection between health and fitness with Jim Agostino, from PeopleFit.
This virtual meeting is provided in real time collaboration and communication through Microsoft Teams. To join this FREE support group on your computer or mobile app, fill out our online request form at www.winchesterweightmanagement.com or call our office at 781-756-6760.

Hormones & Weight Loss
Why is weight loss such a challenge? One big reason could be your hormones.
As we know, hormones support many vital functions within the body, including our ability to maintain muscle, lose body fat, and experience stress and hunger. When a hormonal imbalance occurs, it can have a noticeable effect on your overall health and wellbeing.
Hormonal imbalances may be to blame for a range of unwanted symptoms from fatigue or weight gain to itchy skin or low mood. Good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can help restore your hormonal balance. By understanding how weight-loss hormones work, you can develop strategies to work around them and keep the pounds off for good.
Join Dr. Keren Wilson on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 6PM - 7PM to learn more about the link between hormones and weight loss. This virtual meeting is provided in real time collaboration and communication through Microsoft Teams. To join this FREE support group session on your computer or mobile app, fill out our online request form at www.winchesterweightmanagement.com or call our office at 781-756-6760.

Mental Wellness & Exercise
We all know how important exercise is for keeping us physically healthy. But did you know that exercise can also help keep you mentally healthy?
Join us on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 6PM - 7PM to learn more about the link between exercise and mental health. This virtual meeting is provided in real time collaboration and communication through Microsoft Teams. To join this FREE support group session on your computer or mobile app, fill out our online request form at www.winchesterweightmanagement.com or call our office at 781-756-6760.

Creating Habits That Stick
Our habits shape who we are. Though we admit, forming positive habits isn’t always easy. The realities of changing our behaviors can seem daunting, but there are a few steps you can take to form healthy habits to help you stay on track and reach your goals.
Join Dr. Soumya Ganapathy as she discusses different ways to form healthy habits that stick and lead to results. You might be surprised how easy it is keep up the momentum and achieve your goals once you’ve got these tricks in your back pocket.
Ready to form better habits?

Holiday Eating
The Holiday Season has begun! This is the time of year where people love to celebrate with family, friends and food. But, you’ve committed to making healthier choices, and your body thanks you for it. Just remember, your healthy eating habits don’t have to stop during the holidays. This holiday season we want you to count your blessings and not your calories.

Mindful Eating
Join our very own Dr. Karla Kendrick for an amazing talk on Mindful Eating - Wednesday, October 19th from 6-7pm via TEAMS. Mindful eating involves eating slowly and without distraction, listening to physical hunger cues, and eating only until you’re full. Learn how mindful eating can help can improve your relationship with food and help you build eating habits that support both your mind and body health. Register for this FREE virtual Support Group session TODAY!

Acupuncture and Weight Loss
Acupuncture can be used to treat many different conditions. Learn more about how it can help you during your weight loss journey.
Hosted By: Joseph Kelliher, M.Ac., Lic.Ac., Dipl. Ac.
First acupuncturist ever at Winchester Hospital. Currently on Winchester Hospital’s Medical Staff where he practices out of the Center for Healthy Living.

Finding Motivation Before & After Weight Loss Surgery
One of the most important aspects of changing your mindset is your willingness and drive to make a positive change in your life and to improve your health. But, keeping yourself motivated to reach your goal can become difficult. Don’t get frustrated if you are lacking inspiration at the moment, join us and learn some simple ways to help you find your motivation and get moving again!