Shadowing Dr. Lenamond: Gaining Perspective

Shadowing at a wellness clinic over the summer opened my eyes in a way I didn’t expect. I thought I would learn about treatments, programs, and clinical routines, but what I truly saw was how deeply people struggle with their relationship with food, health, and their own bodies.

Every day I watched people walk in carrying insecurities that were heavier than any number on a scale. So many of them felt lost. They didn’t know how to eat, what habits to build, or where to even begin. For a lot of patients, asking for help was the hardest part, and you could see the relief on their faces when someone finally took the time to listen.

What shocked me most was how common this confusion is. Most people genuinely don’t understand nutrition because no one ever taught them how the body works. People knew they were unhappy with their health, but they didn’t understand why their past diets failed, why they couldn’t stay consistent, or why their bodies felt so out of balance. Seeing this firsthand helped me realize how misunderstood weight loss truly is. It’s not a matter of “trying harder” or “eating less”. It’s about having the right tools, the right knowledge, and the right support.

I learned that nutrition affects so much more than body size. It impacts hormones, sleep quality, energy, mood, cravings, and even how your brain functions throughout the day. I saw how stress, poor sleep, and inconsistent eating patterns can keep someone stuck even when they think they’re making the “right” choices. And I started to understand how powerful small habits such as staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, getting enough protein, managing stress, and building routines that support long-term health instead of quick results can be so powerful.

One thing that really stayed with me was how emotional these appointments were. Patients were being open and sharing fears. Many admitted they felt embarrassed about their weight or guilty about not knowing what to do. Some talked about avoiding certain clothes or social events because of how they felt about their bodies. Others said they were too overwhelmed to take the first step on their own.

Watching these conversations taught me how important empathy is in the health world. People need understanding. They need someone who acknowledges how hard their journey has been and who reminds them that they’re not alone. That was one of the biggest things I learned. Change starts when people feel safe enough to be honest.

One thing that made a huge difference was the clinic’s atmosphere. They had this speakeasy-style room that felt nothing like a clinic. They welcomed patients with couches, a TV, soft lighting, a coffee machine, flavored drinks, and such a calming vibe. It made people feel like they were stepping into a comforting space instead of a medical appointment. Seeing how relaxed people became in that room showed me how much environment matters. When people feel comfortable, they open up. And when they open up, they can finally start making real progress.

Shadowing at a wellness clinic taught me that weight loss is not a straight line. It’s complicated, emotional, and deeply tied to habits people often learn from childhood. Most people just need guidance and someone who cares enough to walk with them through the process. I left this experience with a completely new understanding of how nutrition and wellness work.

More than anything, it reminded me that people don’t just need a meal plan or a program. They need compassion, education, and  a place where they feel seen, supported, and encouraged to begin again.