Welcome to the session guide for the 2026 OM Wellness Workshop. This page is designed to help you explore what we cover across the year, so you can plan ahead, choose the sessions most relevant to you, and feel confident about what to expect.
Across the year, participants will:
Explore the science, treatment options, and lived realities of obesity
Build practical skills for nourishment, movement, and self-care
Find community, support, and confidence to navigate long-term wellbeing
Format: 12 months • Biweekly (every 2 weeks)
Structure: Educational session every 4 weeks, alternating with Support and Practical sessions
Hosts:
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Educational sessions: Rachel Atkins
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Support & Practical sessions: Sandra Elia
Note: The March 3 Launch is a special kickoff (Tuesday). All other sessions follow a biweekly cadence.
Register for the OM Wellness Workshop
View Full Schedule (Subject to change)
Season 1 — Foundations for Change
March 3, 2026 (Tue) – LAUNCH
You Belong Here: Community Welcome & Orientation
A warm introduction to the year ahead, community norms, and how to get the most from the workshop.
Guests: Dr. Sandy Van, Dr. Megha Poddar, Gina Livy, Brenda Rogers, Alissa Steinberg
Hosts: Rachel Atkins, Sandra Elia & Priti Chawla
March 18, 2026
Weight Loss: What We Get Wrong
In today’s noisy weight-loss landscape, this conversation cuts through the hype to explore what we often get wrong – and what actually matters in real life.
Guest: Dr. Sean Wharton
April 1, 2026
Putting Knowledge into Action – Wins & Questions
A supportive space to reflect, share experiences, and ask questions as you begin.
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
April 15, 2026
Reward-Based Eating – How the Brain Drives Cravings
Explore how the brain’s reward system influences eating and why control-based approaches often fail.
Guest: Dr. Laura Reardon (to be confirmed)
April 29, 2026
Eat Well, Move Well – Foundations That Fit Real Life
Practical, adaptable nutrition and movement strategies designed for real bodies and real lives.
Guests: Alissa Steinberg and Eric Levitan
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
May 13, 2026
Sleep, Stress & Weight – The Hidden Metabolic Disruptors
Understand how sleep quality and chronic stress impact metabolism, appetite, and weight regulation.
Guest: To be confirmed
Season 2 — Treatment, Tools & Metabolic Health
May 27, 2026
Applying the Science in Daily Life
Turn knowledge into action through real-life examples and shared problem-solving.
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
June 10, 2026
The Era of Obesity Medications – GLP-1s & Beyond
An overview of modern obesity treatments, what they do, and what to expect.
Guest: Dr. Sandy Van
June 24, 2026
Muscle Preservation in the Age of GLP-1s
Why protecting muscle matters – and how to support strength, function, and metabolism through nutrition, supplements and physical activity
Guests: Alissa Steinberg, Eric Levitan
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
July 8, 2026
Metabolic Adaptation & Energy Balance – Why the Body Resists Change
Understand how metabolic adaptation influences weight, energy needs, and long-term outcomes.
Guest: TBC
July 22, 2026
Integrating Treatment Without Shame
A compassionate discussion about navigating care, expectations, and self-trust.
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
August 5, 2026
Healing Emotional Eating – A Compassion-First Lens
Shift from guilt to understanding the emotional and psychological drivers of eating.
Guest: Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley
Season 3 — Mental Health, Maintenance & Real Life
August 19, 2026
Grocery to Kitchen to Action
Build confidence moving from planning and shopping to preparation and daily routines.
Hosted by Alissa Steinberg and Sandra Elia
September 2, 2026
Mental Health, Medications & Weight
Explore the complex relationship between mental health, treatment, and weight.
Guest: Dr. Peter Selby
September 16, 2026
Navigating the Hard Days
A safe space for connection and support when motivation feels low.
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
September 30, 2026
Understanding Weight Regain & Plateaus
Learn why weight regain happens and what science tells us about long-term maintenance.
Guest: Dr. Megha Poddar
October 14, 2026
Protein Power Cooking & Strength Basics
Hands-on strategies to support strength, mobility, and everyday function.
Guests: Alissa Steinberg & Eric Levitan
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
October 28, 2026
When Your Body Works Against You – Chronic Conditions & Weight
Managing weight in the context of chronic conditions such as PCOS, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune disease.
Guest: To be confirmed
Season 4 — Relationships, Resilience & Sustainable Living
November 11, 2026
Mid-Year Check-In Reflect & Reset
A guided pause to reflect on progress, reset goals, and adjust your approach.
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
November 25, 2026
Mindful Eating During the Holidays
Practical tools for navigating food, emotions, and expectations during the holiday season.
Guest: Dr. Sandy Van
December 9, 2026
Holiday Wellness – Movement & Mindfulness
Supportive strategies for staying active and grounded during a busy time of year.
Guests: Erin Jacob & Eric Levitan
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
January 6, 2027
Living Fully in Your Body – Not Waiting for a Number
Reframing health, worth, and wellbeing beyond the scale.
Guest: To be confirmed
January 20, 2027
Overcoming Setbacks with Self-Compassion
Tools to rebuild momentum with kindness, resilience, and realistic expectations.
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
February 3, 2027
Let’s Talk About Sex — Hormones, Intimacy & Body Confidence
An open, evidence-informed conversation about intimacy, hormones, and body changes.
Guest: To be confirmed
Ready to build sustainable wellness – season by season, together?
✔ Attend live or watch replays
✔ Join at any point – stay for what you need
✔ Compassionate, stigma-free, evidence-based care
There is no cost to join
Register for OM Wellness Workshop 2026
Interested in Sponsoring a Session?
Contact Priti Chawla: priti@obesity-matters.com
Speakers
