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October 26, 2023

Medical weight loss is more than a prescription and some doctor’s appointments.

To be successful, medical weight loss patients need to embrace lifestyle changes that include what they eat and how they move their bodies. Feeling connected to others on the same journey helps them meet their goals.

That thought is what prompted Jacqueline Cameron, MD, a weight loss specialist with the Hartford HealthCare Digestive Health Institute in Norwich, to form the Mystic Movers Walking Club. With team members from the office, Dr. Cameron hopes to provide information, motivation and inspiration to anyone looking to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Mystic Movers meets the fourth Saturday of every month at 8 a.m. behind the Pink Basil restaurant in Olde Mistick Village. Participants can choose to walk one of three routes – a half mile, 1.16 mile and two miles.

“Mystic Movers is for everybody, of all ages, of levels of ability,” Dr. Cameron says. “We’ll walk at whatever pace anybody needs because physical activity is essential to being a healthy human. It’s not just about weight loss, it’s not just about calories, it’s what our bodies need to be healthy. We are out here to do this with others because a lot of the time it’s really hard to do all by yourself.”

Cynthia Joiner is a medical weight loss patient who drove from Manchester to join Mystic Movers on its inaugural outing in August.

“I decided to do this walk to keep up my activity level, meet some new friends and have a great time. It’s a great way to start off your morning,” she says.

In addition, Joiner participates in the weight loss support group on Facebook, and often makes plans to meet other patients to walk as a way to stick to her exercise routine and stay motivated.