Obesity Medicine & Metabolic Wellness Center

03/01/2026

Meet Your Provider – West Branch
Alyssa Manry, FNP-C

If you’re visiting our West Branch location, there’s a good chance you’ll meet Alyssa — and you’ll immediately feel it: she cares.

Alyssa Manry is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) with over eight years of nursing experience in acute and preventative care.

She earned her BSN from Valparaiso University in Indiana and began her career on a Neuro/Trauma step-down unit before completing her MSN at Saginaw Valley State University.

Having personally faced the challenges of obesity, Alyssa is passionate about helping patients of all ages manage their health through a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach.

She is committed to patient advocacy, education, and empowering families to achieve lasting wellness.

If you’re in the West Branch area or surrounding communities and ready to take the next step in your health journey, Alyssa is here to walk alongside you.

📍 West Branch
🌐 obesitymedicinemwc.org
📞 989-941-3290

02/27/2026

🍓🥗 Lower-Carb High-Protein Chicken Strawberry Salad

Fresh. Light. Packed with protein. And lower in carbs without sacrificing flavor.

This is the kind of meal that supports weight management while still feeling satisfying and balanced. High protein. Healthy fats. Naturally sweet. No added sugars.

💪 ~44g protein
🔥 ~410–430 calories
🌾 ~9–11g carbs per serving

Want the full ingredient list, exact portions, and step-by-step directions?

👉 Click the link below to view the complete recipe on our website.
https://www.obesitymedicinemwc.org/post/lower-carb-high-protein-chicken-strawberry-salad

Structured nutrition makes a difference. When protein, portions, and metabolic health are aligned, results follow.

🌐 obesitymedicinemwc.org
📞 989-941-3290

Ingredients (Serves 2–3) • 2 cups grilled chicken breast, sliced • 4 cups mixed greens (spinach + arugula work great) • ½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced • ¼ cup sliced almonds (lightly toasted) • ¼ cup feta cheeseLight Lower-Carb Dressing • ¼ cup...

02/24/2026

Big Update for Patients Using Zepbound

There’s exciting news from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about Zepbound (tirzepatide), made by Eli Lilly and Company.

The FDA has approved a label expansion that now allows Zepbound to be used with Lilly’s KwikPen, a multi-dose pen device.

💉 What does this mean?
Instead of managing separate weekly injection devices, the new KwikPen is designed to provide multiple doses in one pen — making treatment more convenient and streamlined.

✨ More convenience
✨ Fewer devices to manage
✨ Same medication and effectiveness

Zepbound is prescribed for adults living with obesity, or those who are overweight with weight-related medical conditions, as part of a comprehensive plan that includes nutrition, movement, and medical guidance. It is also approved for certain patients with obstructive sleep apnea related to obesity.

As always, medication decisions should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider to determine what’s safest and most effective for you.

You deserve real answers and real support. If you’re curious about Zepbound or other treatment options, let’s have that conversation.

📞 989-941-3290
🌐 obesitymedicinemwc.org

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02/19/2026

🌿 We’re Hiring: Licensed Psychologist/PMHNP or Licensed Master Social Worker/LMSW (Part-Time → Full-Time Opportunity) 🌿

So many people silently struggle with mental health challenges — and especially with the kind that shows up around food.

The constant food noise.
The cycles of emotional eating.
The shame after a binge.
The feeling of being “out of control,” even when you’re trying so hard.

We’re growing, and we’re looking for a Licensed Psychologist/PMHNP who has a special passion for helping individuals to heal their relationship with food and their body — and who wants to make a real difference in the lives of people dealing with:

✨ Binge Eating Disorder
✨ Emotional Eating
✨ Food Noise
✨ Anxiety, depression, stress, and overwhelm
✨ Long-term behavior and identity change

This role will begin part-time, with a clear path to move into a full-time position as we continue to expand.

If this work speaks to you — or you know someone who would be an amazing fit — we’d love to connect.

📩 Message us or email jgorelli@obesitymedicinemwc.org if you would like to be considered for this opportunity.

02/17/2026

🍫💪 High-Protein Double Chocolate Protein Balls

When you’re working on fat loss, protein isn’t just a buzzword. It helps preserve lean muscle, supports metabolism, and keeps you feeling full longer.

Instead of reaching for processed snacks that spike blood sugar and leave you hungry again, try something that actually works with your goals.

These High-Protein Double Chocolate Protein Balls are:
✔ Packed with protein
✔ Lower in sugar
✔ Portion-controlled
✔ Easy to meal prep

A sweet treat that supports your progress instead of sabotaging it.

👉 Get the full recipe here:
https://www.obesitymedicinemwc.org/post/high-protein-double-chocolate-protein-balls

If you’re working toward better metabolic health and want guidance tailored to you, our team is here to help.

🌐 obesitymedicinemwc.org
📞 989-941-3290

Why These Work • 10–12g protein per ball • Lower carb than traditional oat-heavy recipes • Great for muscle preservation during weight loss • Keeps you full longer = fewer snack attacksIngredients (Makes 10–12 balls) • 1 cup vanilla or chocolate whey isolate protein powder • ½ cup p...

02/14/2026

This Valentine’s Day, we’re crushing on cardiovascular health. Here are 5 heart facts about obesity that might just make your pulse skip (in a good way):

❤️ 1. Obesity raises your risk for heart disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, excess body weight is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and heart failure.

💓 2. Extra weight makes your heart work overtime.
More body mass means more tissue to supply with oxygen. Your heart pumps harder and longer, which can enlarge and strain it over time.

🍫 3. Belly fat is not just cosmetic.
Abdominal fat is strongly linked to high blood pressure, high LDL (“bad” cholesterol), and artery plaque buildup.

💔 4. Obesity changes your entire cardiovascular profile.
The American Heart Association notes that obesity is associated with increased blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, and lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

⏳ 5. The longer obesity is present, the greater the risk.
Long-term exposure significantly increases the likelihood of heart attack and stroke compared to individuals at a healthier weight.

But here’s the part we love most…

💗 Your heart is resilient.
Even modest, medically guided weight loss can improve blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and overall heart function.

If you’re ready to give your heart the support it deserves, we’re here for you.

📞 989-941-3290
🌐 obesitymedicinemwc.org

02/12/2026

🌿 We’re Hiring: Licensed Psychologist/PMHNP or Licensed Master Social Worker/LMSW (Part-Time → Full-Time Opportunity) 🌿

So many people silently struggle with mental health challenges — and especially with the kind that shows up around food.

The constant food noise.
The cycles of emotional eating.
The shame after a binge.
The feeling of being “out of control,” even when you’re trying so hard.

We’re growing, and we’re looking for a Licensed Psychologist/PMHNP who has a special passion for helping individuals to heal their relationship with food and their body — and who wants to make a real difference in the lives of people dealing with:

✨ Binge Eating Disorder
✨ Emotional Eating
✨ Food Noise
✨ Anxiety, depression, stress, and overwhelm
✨ Long-term behavior and identity change

This role will begin part-time, with a clear path to move into a full-time position as we continue to expand.

If this work speaks to you — or you know someone who would be an amazing fit — we’d love to connect.

📩 Message us or email jgorelli@obesitymedicinemwc.org if you would like to be considered for this opportunity.

02/11/2026

What’s NEW in Obesity Care Right Now?

🔥 Next-gen weight-loss drugs are advancing fast
Researchers are unveiling a new wave of GLP-1-based medications that could help people lose more weight than older treatments like Wegovy and Zepbound — signaling exciting future treatment options on the horizon.

🌟 A powerful combo drug shows stronger results
Latest clinical trial data shows that a new combination injectable led to greater weight loss than semaglutide alone — giving hope for even more effective therapies.

💊 Oral weight-loss pills are catching on
Real-world data from early users of the newly approved Wegovy oral tablet show that over one-third of patients starting GLP-1 therapy are completely new to this class of medicine, highlighting strong interest in non-injectable options.

📈 Obesity meds continue to grow in use and impact
Major pharmaceutical companies report dramatic increases in usage and sales of medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound, reflecting how these therapies are becoming a staple in metabolic health care for many people.

If you’re curious about whether these newer treatment options could be right for you, our team is here to provide evidence-based guidance and personalized care every step of the way.

📞 Call us today at 989-941-3290
🌐 Visit us at obesitymedicinemwc.org

Let’s take the next step — together. 💙

02/09/2026

🌟 EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH SPOTLIGHT 🌟

This month, we’re excited to recognize Jennifer Kish as our Employee of the Month.
Jen consistently goes above and beyond for our patients, ensuring they truly feel supported and set up for long-term success in their cardiometabolic journey.

What really makes Jen special is how she helps patients understand the why behind what we do.
She’s especially passionate about encouraging patients to complete body composition scans, because she knows these aren’t just numbers — they’re powerful tools for motivation, insight, and progress.

When the scale doesn’t move, she reminds patients that body composition shows the full story:
📈 trends over time
💪 muscle preservation
🔥 fat loss (body fat % and visceral adipose tissue)

These objective measures prove the daily habits are working — even when it doesn’t feel like it yet.

That positive reinforcement is often what keeps someone going. And she delivers it with care, patience, and genuine belief in every patient’s ability to succeed.

👏 Thank you, Jen, for the heart you bring to our clinic every single day.

We’re lucky to have you, and our patients are too.

Drop a comment below to help us celebrate her! 🎉💙

02/08/2026

🏈 Super Bowl Sunday Is Today — You Can Enjoy the Game and Stay on Track

Game day doesn’t have to turn into a calorie ambush. Here are 5 genuinely health-conscious Super Bowl snacks that support blood sugar balance, satiety, and portion control — without killing the fun.

🥚 1. Deviled Eggs (Protein-Forward Version)
Classic, simple, and high-protein. Use Greek yogurt or avocado in place of mayo for added nutrients and fewer empty calories.

🥩 2. Turkey or Chicken Meatballs
Baked or air-fried, seasoned well, and served with a no-sugar marinara or mustard-based dip. High protein, low carb, very filling.

🧀 3. Cottage Cheese Buffalo Dip
Blended cottage cheese + hot sauce + spices = creamy, high-protein dip without the heavy fats. Pair with raw veggies instead of chips.

🥬 4. Veggie & Protein Snack Plates
Think sliced turkey or grilled chicken, cheese portions, olives, nuts, and raw veggies. This keeps grazing intentional instead of mindless.

🍓 5. Greek Yogurt Berry Cups
Plain Greek yogurt with fresh berries and cinnamon. Naturally sweet, high protein, and a great way to curb post-game dessert cravings.

👉 Pro Tip: Prioritize protein first. It helps control appetite, stabilize blood sugar, and keeps you satisfied long after the final whistle.

Enjoy the game today — your health goals don’t need to sit on the bench. 💪🏽🏈

02/05/2026

Carrying excess weight places added strain on your heart, blood vessels, and vital organs, increasing the risk for serious health conditions over time.

Here’s what excess weight can impact:

❤️ Heart health: Extra weight forces your heart to work harder, raising the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
🩸 Blood sugar & metabolism: Excess weight makes it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar, increasing the risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
🫁 Breathing & sleep: Conditions like sleep apnea are more common and more severe with excess weight.
🧠 Organ stress: The heart, kidneys, and blood vessels all experience increased strain, raising the risk for long-term complications.
🦵 Joints & mobility: Extra weight increases pressure on joints, often leading to pain and reduced mobility over time.

The good news? Even modest, sustainable weight loss can lead to meaningful improvements in health. This isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress, support, and long-term wellbeing.

If you’re ready to focus on your health with medical guidance and personalized care, we’re here to help. 💙

📞 989-941-3290
🌐 obesitymedicinemwc.org

02/03/2026

🥤 Vanilla Berry Protein Smoothie 🍓
Simple. Satisfying. Packed with protein.

If you’re looking for an easy, nutrient-dense option that works as a breakfast, post-workout fuel, or afternoon pick-me-up, this one checks all the boxes. Creamy vanilla flavor, real berries, and a protein boost designed to keep you fuller longer.

We’ve broken down the ingredients, benefits, and how this smoothie fits into a balanced lifestyle over on our website.

👉 Click the link below to view the full recipe
🔗 https://www.obesitymedicinemwc.org/post/vanilla-berry-protein-smoothie

Small choices add up. This one’s a good place to start.

Milk: A low-fat milk is recommended. This will contain adequate amounts of protein, calcium and vitamin D.Substitutes: Oat milk or soy milk is preferred if using a plant-based option (more protein), but you can use an almond/coconut milk for lower carbs and sugar. A skim milk can also be used.Servin...