How Medcan’s Weight Management Program helped one client break through years of stalled progress 

When David came to Medcan, he carried with him more than just an elevated BMI and rising cholesterol. At 64, he felt the weight of his future health pressing down – literally and figuratively. A recent trip abroad, indulgent meals, and a scale reading of 212 pounds became the tipping point that pushed him to seek change. 

“I realized I couldn’t keep going like this. If I didn’t get my weight under control, I knew more health problems would follow,” he said 

What began as an Annual Health Assessment soon evolved into a fully supported journey through Medcan’s Weight Management Program. And it’s gotten David results he once wasn’t sure he could ever achieve. 

Why a wholistic approach matters when it comes to weight management 

David had tried nearly every diet imaginable: the Mediterranean diet, zone dieting, meal deliveries, intense workouts. But nothing delivered sustainable results. 

After an assessment showing high cholesterol, an elevated BMI, and rising blood pressure, he started investigating Medcan’s Weight Management Program and was impressed by the unified, team-based approach. He also entertained and discussed Ozempic with his physician, which was a medication he initially felt uncertain about.  

“I was almost sheepish asking about it,” David admits. “There’s so much misinformation. But my care team walked me through everything. I felt supported and not judged.” 

Encouraged by both his primary physician and Medcan’s clinical experts, he joined the Weight Management Program and committed fully where he discovered the power of a wholistic plan. 

David was prescribed a low dose of Ozempic (.25 mg, later .50 mg), which helped curb his tendency to snack. It’s one common habit he now realizes was contributing significantly to his weight gain.  

But the medication was just one piece of the strategy. Working closely with the program’s lead dietitian, Christine Melanson, David tracked his meals, learned to hit an 1,800‑calorie target, and adopted a more balanced approach to eating. For the first time, calorie awareness, protein intake, and whole foods became guiding principles rather than restrictions.  

“I always thought I could out‑exercise a diet,” he said. “Turns out, it’s the calories. And Christine was right. I just didn’t believe it until I saw it happen – one pound a week, consistently.” 

Using the Macklin Method developed by world-renowned obesity expert and Medcan Weight Management Program director, Dr. David Macklin, learned why cravings happen and how to interrupt old patterns. Meeting regularly with his care team also kept him accountable and committed. He had the support he needed to ramp up his workouts, so they were effective, and not to compensate for calories, but to maintain muscle and support long-term vitality. 

The results: 35 pounds lost and a life rejuvenated 

Today, David has lost approximately 35 pounds, stabilizing around 177 pounds, which is the same weight he was when he got married. And the weight has stayed off for months, while beyond the scale, his quality of life has transformed.  

He’s experiencing more energy, “My head is clearer. My energy is way up. People comment on it all the time, not just how I look, but the energy I’m giving off.” 

Apart from energy, David was once plagued by joint pain so severely he could barely walk down the stairs in the morning. And as a devoted racket sports enthusiast, he feared his days of adventure might be numbered. But David now moves without discomfort. His vitality has returned. Plus, he’s planning activities again, and various types.   

“Hiking adventures, I can do them. I’m not worried anymore. Before this program, I thought maybe my best physical years were behind me. Now I know they’re not.” 

All these results show in his biomarker reports. His blood pressure is normal, cholesterol has significantly improved, and his BMI is back in a health range. 

A new mindset that’s caused a positive health ripple effect 

Friends have noticed David’s transformation and four of them joined the program because of his influence. He’s become an advocate for both the medication and the structured program, emphasizing that success comes from commitment, not shortcuts. 

“You can’t just take a drug and hope. You need the team, coaching, and to do the behavioural work. The program works because it’s wholistic.” 

“You can’t just take a drug and hope. You need the team, coaching, and to do the behavioural work. The program works because it’s wholistic.” 

- David, Medcan Weight Management Program client