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
Register for the OM Wellness Workshop
View Full Schedule (Subject to change)
Season 1 — Foundations for Change
March 3, 2026 (Tue) – LAUNCH (completed)
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, Gina Livy, Brenda Rogers, Alissa Steinberg
Hosts: Rachel Atkins, Sandra Elia & Priti Chawla
March 18, 2026 | 12 PM ET (completed)
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. Megha Poddar
April 1, 2026 | 12 PM ET (completed)
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 | 12 PM ET (completed)
Sleep, Stress & Weight – The Hidden Metabolic Disruptors
So many of us push through exhaustion without realizing how deeply sleep affects our health. In this session, Dr. Rishi Handa helps us understand the connection between sleep, stress, metabolism, and weight, and invites us to reflect on our own experiences in a safe, supportive space. Come ready to learn, share, and maybe finally get some answers.
Guest: Dr. Rishi Handa
April 29, 2026 | 12 PM ET (completed)
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 Dr. Katie Starr
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
May 13, 2026 | 12 PM ET (completed)
Mindfulness for a Busy Mind: Small Tools for Real Life
Feeling overwhelmed or stuck? This workshop offers simple, practical tools to help calm a busy mind and navigate stress and anxiety.
Real, supportive, and designed for everyday life – no pressure, just small steps that work.
Guest: Dena Jackson
Season 2 — Treatment, Tools & Metabolic Health
May 27, 2026 | 12 PM ET
Why Willpower Isn’t the Answer: Understanding Food Addiction
Do you find yourself eating past fullness, struggling to stop even when you want to, or feeling controlled by certain foods? You’re not alone, and it’s not a lack of willpower. Join Dr. Vera Tarman and Sandra Elia for an open, stigma-free conversation on food addiction: what it is, how it connects to obesity, and what real support looks like. This is a space to be heard, understood, and empowered.
Guest: Dr. Vera Tarman
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
June 10, 2026 | 12 PM ET
The Era of Obesity Medications: What You Need to Know
Join Dr. Sandy Van for an accessible overview of today’s obesity treatment landscape — from prescription medications and emerging therapies to generic options, telehealth access, and the role of behavioural support and CBT in achieving lasting results.
Guest: Dr. Sandy Van
June 24, 2026 | 12 PM ET
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 Maude Picotte
July 8, 2026 | 12 PM ET
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 | 12 PM ET
Integrating Treatment Without Shame
A compassionate discussion about navigating care, expectations, and self-trust.
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
August 5, 2026 | 12 PM ET
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)
Season 3 — Mental Health, Maintenance & Real Life
August 19, 2026 | 12 PM ET
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 | 12 PM ET
Beyond Willpower: Understanding Genes, Hormones, and Obesity
Join Dr. Emilia Huvinen, OB-GYN, obesity medicine expert, and author of “Hungry Genes?”, as we explore the often-overlooked role of genetics, hormones, and conditions such as PMOS in weight regulation. Learn why obesity is about more than willpower and gain practical, evidence-based insights into managing weight through a better understanding of your body’s biology.
Guest: Dr. Emilia Huvinen
September 16, 2026 | 12 PM ET
Navigating the Hard Days
A safe space for connection and support when motivation feels low.
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
September 30, 2026 | 12 PM ET
Understanding Weight Regain & Plateaus
Learn why weight regain happens and what science tells us about long-term maintenance.
Guest: Dr. Sasha High
October 14, 2026 | 12 PM ET
Movement & Mindfulness — Finding Your Flow
What if movement and mindfulness could actually fit your real life? Join us as we explore gentle, practical ways to move and be present — no perfection required, just you showing up as you are.
Guests: Dr. Katie Starr & Erin Jacob
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
October 28, 2026 | 12 PM ET
When Your Body Works Against You – Chronic Conditions & Weight
In this session, we’ll explore a compassionate, practical approach to understanding appetite, weight, stigma, resilience, movement, and eating experiences through the lens of your values and real-life challenges. Learn how to move beyond diet rules and build sustainable strategies that support your health, well-being, and the life you want to live.
Guest: To be confirmed
Season 4 — Relationships, Resilience & Sustainable Living
November 11, 2026 | 12 PM ET
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 | 12 PM ET
Mindful Eating During the Holidays
Practical tools for navigating food, emotions, and expectations during the holiday season.
Guest: Dr. Sandy Van
December 9, 2026 | 12 PM ET
Holiday Wellness – Joyful, Balanced & Bright
Festive recipes, joyful movement, and realistic wellness strategies to help you enjoy the holidays while supporting your health.
Guests: Alissa Steinberg & Eric Levitan
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
January 6, 2027 | 12 PM ET
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 | 12 PM ET
Overcoming Setbacks with Self-Compassion
Tools to rebuild momentum with kindness, resilience, and realistic expectations.
Facilitated by Sandra Elia
February 3, 2027 | 12 PM ET
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
