Mayo Clinic Health System’s Behavioral Health department is now offering two weight loss/weight management group therapy options: The Lifestyle Exercise Attitude Relationships Nutrition, or LEARN, program and the Weight Loss Maintenance Group.

The LEARN program is a 12-week behavioral weight management program, that addresses the role lifestyle, exercise, attitude, relationships and nutrition play in healthy weight management. Components of behavioral weight management will also be addressed: self-monitoring, problem solving, goal setting and changing thought patterns related to emotional eating and stress management. This program is required by Mayo Clinic prior to bariatric surgery and is also appropriate for those wanting to lose weight without surgery.

The Weight Loss Maintenance Group is designed for participants who have been through the LEARN program and decided to not have bariatric surgery.

Both groups will be led by Susan Welnel, Psy.D., and Ellie Wiemerslage, Psy.D. For more information contact Behavioral Health at 377-6406. If you have not been seen in the Behavioral Health department before, an appointment is necessary to assess whether the groups are appropriate for you. Please check with your health insurance provider regarding coverage.