NWFA Patient Resources

Welcome to resources curated specifically for patients of Northwest Family Acupuncture. 

GLP-1 Resources

GLP-1’s (Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic/Semaglutide, Mounjaro/Tirzepatide etc.) have become extremely popular. They are increasingly accessible online and without structured care. Additionally, new uses are being touted practically daily. This makes it difficult to keep up on the facts. Please remember that weight-loss is not the original, intended use for these medications and many of the studies regarding their efficacy are based on the non-weight loss doses and usages. I, fortunately, can’t prescribe these and yet I’m often being asked about them by friends, patients and colleagues. If you are interested in these medications for weight-loss and at weight-loss doses (not diabetes nor MCAS management), here are a few resources I strongly recommend you review. Real informed consent is needed before starting these and the resources below help provide a look at their lack of efficacy long-term and the reality of their side effects.

Medical Students for Size Inclusivity - This association of medical students has created a detailed and well-cited resource on GLP-1’s. This 17 page PDF is what every prescriber should provide to any patient contemplating starting GLP-1’s for weight loss. They cover 5 main claims of these drugs and questions you should ask your prescriber. https://sizeinclusivemedicine.org/glp1/

Weight and Healthcare - Ragen Chastain curates a goldmine of resources on GLP-1’s and the diet industrial complex in general. A researcher by training and hobby, she can take apart a study like no other. She systematically deconstructs the industry research study by study indicating conflicting outcomes, poor variable control and hidden conflicts of interest. As someone with two master’s degrees - one requiring stats and extensive research/writing, I bow to her. If you haven’t seen her Substack, go now. If you can afford to subscribe, please do so. We need to support her! She does offer a free newsletter if you are unable to pay to subscribe. The Weight and Healthcare Substack. https://weightandhealthcare.substack.com/

Studies Regarding Weight Loss and Surgery

Below are links to articles (some scholarly, peer reviewed) regarding weight and surgery outcomes or the effects of weight loss and surgery outcomes/healing. These articles and links are intended to both provide a different view conventional view that patients who are in larger bodies should lose weight before surgeries and to help you advocate for proper care regardless of your size. Denial of surgeries based on high BMI is often not backed up by current research. This list is not comprehensive and you are encouraged to discuss your specific case with your practitioners. I am happy to look into current peer-reviewed journals and contact other professionals for you if your particular conditions are not covered here.

• This is actually a study OF KAISER MEMBERS that shows worse outcomes with intentional weight loss before surgery: https://online.boneandjoint.org.uk/doi/full/10.1302/0301-620X.96B5..33136

• This review shows weight loss surgery does not improve surgical complication rates: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/58880/1/Bariatric_surgery_paper_ACCEPTED_10..05.2016.pdf

• This review shows longer term outcomes are just as good for higher weight people: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/07/170719084707.htm?fbclid=IwAR3b9XS0fzqrY4GYXw8wbW3fYHsTlnIDby0h_9ftiZlgSg7KtOpziiPY8aU

Body Positive Resources for Youth

Bloom Project - “The Full Bloom Project is a research-informed body-positive parenting resource—designed by parents, for parents. Our mission is to teach parents how to transform their home environment into a place where children can naturally boost immunity to our appearance obsessed culture, so they can channel their precious resources towards more meaningful purposes; in other words, "fully bloom." We are committed to finding innovative and practical ways to make research and activism in child and adolescent mental health, pediatric nutrition, Health at Every Size, and eating disorder prevention accessible to parents everywhere.”

Celebrate your Body (And Its Changes, Too!) - For many girls, puberty can be an uncertain time. Celebrate Your Body (And Its Changes, Too!) includes everything girls need to know about breasts and bras, their period, hair here and there, feelings and friends, and so much more. This book will guide them as they learn about (and celebrate) their amazing, changing, one-of-a-kind bodies―during puberty and beyond!

Meditation Resources - Body Scan and Walking Meditation

Body Scan: Download instructions on how to do a "Body Scan" meditation. This is a meditation best done in a quiet space when you have time without interruptions. Individuals with a history of PTSD or trauma may find the Body Scan meditation difficult or too intense. For some people, it does not feel safe to get really grounded in your body. If this sounds like you, the walking meditation may be a better option. Either can be done with just a few minutes or with unlimited time. It is often used to help the bring you back into your body, to relax after or during a stressful situation, or in bed to help you fall asleep. Super easy to do, but don't be surprised if you find yourself starting over many times or even never "finishing" your entire body. There's no failure in this exercise, you just do what you can do! And again, it's not for everyone. Approach this activity with self-compassion and know that it is just one of many tools and not every tool is right for you as an individual. (From The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness. Williams et al.)

Walking/Movement Meditation: Tried seated meditation and hated it? Find that you fidget or get anxious sitting still? History of PTSD or trauma and find seated meditations too intense or triggering? You might find more ease with the "Walking Meditation" or movement meditation. This can be adapted to any kind of movement and doesn't require that you have the ability to walk. You can apply these principles to swimming, paddling, rolling, pedaling, any movement! (From The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness. Williams et al.)

Seasonal Living

The oldest of Chinese medical texts, the Huang di nei jing, provides advice based on nature for activities to nourish health. This handout is an introduction to basic routines that can optimize our health. It is meant to be used in consultation during your appointment.