Welcome to 2026! Dare I say it? New year, new you! That seems to be my theme every January. This is going to be THE year. The year that I am more organized. The year that I travel more. And the year that I start working out again and losing weight the right way. It’s easier said than done, but I know I can do it. I just have to figure out where to start. That’s why I reached out to The Christ Hospital’s Dr. Monika Moni, MD, DipABOM, Family Medicine & Obesity Medicine, Medical Director, Obesity Medicine and Metabolic Health, to talk getting healthy and losing weight in 2026.
I asked Dr. Moni for three steps on how to get started. She broke it down for me.
Step 1: Priority
Make yourself a priority. Your health deserves time, attention and intention—without guilt. When you prioritize your well-being, you are better equipped to meet the demands of work, family and life.
Step 2: Clarity
Create clarity around your goals. Write them down, reflect on what has worked and what has not, and define changes that are realistic for your current stage of life. Clear goals provide direction and focus.
Step 3: Consistency
Translate clarity into consistent action. Set small, time-specific goals that you can repeat week after week. Sustainable progress is built through consistency, not intensity.
A lot of us struggle with our weight, and I’m no different—my number on the scale tends to go up and down. I have a range where I feel comfortable, but I’ve also carried the same “goal weight” with me year after year. So, I asked Dr. Moni whether having a goal weight is actually a good idea. She said, “A goal weight can be helpful for some people. Instead of fixating on a single number, I encourage patients to set health-based goals. If a goal weight is set, frame it as a range rather than a fixed number. It should be flexible and realistic, accounting for their biology, medical conditions, age, medications or life circumstances; this way, it reduces frustration and supports long-term sustainability.”
GLP-1s and weight loss
When it comes to weight loss, we all have ideas on what works and what doesn’t work for us, and for some people GLP-1s might be the answer. But how do I know that they’re right for me? Dr. Moni explained, “GLP-1 medications can be a very effective treatment option, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether they’re right for you depends on your medical history, prior weight-loss efforts and overall health goals, and should be decided in partnership with your PCP or an obesity-trained clinician. It’s also important to understand that GLP-1s are not a quick fix— they are most effective when combined with nutrition, physical activity, behavior change and ongoing medical follow-up.”
Get physical
Physical activity needs to be a part of my health journey, and to be honest, outside of occasionally walking outside, I have not been consistently active in quite some time. Dr. Moni said, “Physical activity is basically movement—not punishment for weight gain. The best exercise plan is one that fits your body, your schedule, and your current fitness level, and that you can maintain over time. Regular movement improves cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, mood, sleep and helps preserve muscle during weight loss.
“Consistency matters far more than intensity. If you have been inactive, jumping into aggressive workouts often leads to injury or burnout. Begin with low-impact activities such as walking, gentle cycling, swimming, or light strength training two to three days per week. Even 10–15 minutes at a time is meaningful. As your endurance and confidence improve, you can gradually increase duration and frequency. Progression should feel manageable, not overwhelming.”
If you’d like more information about Dr. Monika Moni at The Christ Hospital or would like to book an appointment, click here.