We all want to look good and feel confident in our own skin. But beyond fitting into our favorite jeans or seeing a lower number on the scale, isn’t the real goal to feel stronger, have more energy, and enjoy life to the fullest? The truth is, getting there isn’t always as simple as eating less or working out more. With so many weight-loss trends and quick fixes out there, how do we know what actually works for us? That’s exactly what we set out to discover at the launch of Go Lose Pounds – the Marie France Way, where we learned that achieving our body goals starts with understanding what our bodies truly need.

Indeed, this personalized, medically-supervised healthy weight-management program that prioritizes overall health, not just weight loss, is a nod to GLP. However, Marie France’s way defies the common misconceptions that surround it. At the event, featured guest speaker Dr. Erick Mendoza – a specialist in diabetes, thyroid disorders, and holistic metabolism management – talked about the philosophy behind the program, such as looking beyond the scale for validation, GLP-1 as a tool and not a shortcut, and that personalization and long-term care matter – there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Weight management should consider each person’s biology, health needs, and long-term goals. We even navigated through pressing issues on Truths and Trends about healthy weight loss with the help of Marie France’s medical experts, Dr. Macgerald Cueto and Dr. Regie Layug. So if you are curious about them too, here are five things we learned!

Dr. Erick Mendoza is a board-certified internist and endocrinologist, UST assistant professor, and former president of the Philippine Thyroid Association, who specializes in diabetes, thyroid disorders, and holistic metabolism management.
Look beyond the scale for validation.
When it comes to getting healthier, we often focus on one thing: the number on the weighing scale. While tracking your weight is one place to start, we learned at the event that healthy weight management goes beyond watching those numbers go down. It’s also about having the energy to get through a busy day, feeling stronger during workouts, moving with ease, and enjoying more of the things we love. After all, two people can weigh the same but have very different body compositions, muscle mass, and overall health. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the scale and consider factors like body composition, muscle strength, energy levels, and how well our bodies function. Real progress isn’t just about the pounds you lose, but also the strength, confidence, and quality of life you gain. So the next time you track your progress, don’t look to the scale alone for validation. Celebrate all the other ways your body is transforming!
Why GLP-1 isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
In an era where GLP-1 for weight loss is everywhere, it can certainly feel tempting to try. But while it often gets hyped up as a magical quick fix, it is critical to remember that GLP-1 is ultimately an obesity management tool, and all medications have the potential to cause side effects. Thus, professional screening, medical supervision, and personalized planning are essential, because no single solution fits everyone. What works for others may pose serious risks for some.
Everyone starts from a different line, navigates a unique path, and works toward their own finish line. This is why Go Lose Pounds – the Marie France Way goes beyond GLP-1 and supports different weight-loss goals and approaches to help ensure that we are on the right track. It is open to those who might prefer or require treatments without GLP-1, those who want to try GLP-1 and treatments together, those who are already taking GLP-1 but want to support their health management with suitable treatments, and even those who want a more comprehensive program within Marie France that combines GLP-1 with other appropriate services. Ultimately, all treatments and combinations are subject to medical assessment and must be appropriate for each client’s health needs, with the final approach guided by the doctor’s recommendations. And remember: there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but Marie France allows you to explore options that best fit yours by providing personalized solutions for different weight-loss goals and needs.
The Truth of Women and Man
Guests generously shared their personal truths about the underlying reasons behind the paths they have chosen to achieve their body and weight goals.

Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, theater actress, has been going to Marie France since nearly a decade ago. She openly shared her struggle to lose weight because her body does not respond easily to what may be go-tos for most women: crash diets and slimming protocols. Her struggle was real and cyclical– shedding off pounds, then gaining them back again. But now, Mikkie’s story is on a healthy track ever since deciding to be on the Go Lose Pounds program! Her body composition analysis finally showed she lost weight and, more significantly, her muscle mass has improved, and she has gained overall metabolic recomposition. She shared that she feels lighter and stronger these days. For someone who is not ashamed to admit her truth (that she is not a fan of physical activities), she is now able to do physical exercise in the form of running! She professes another truth: she will never leave Marie France because she wants a stronger Mikkie that, someday, will be able to enjoy the beauty and physicality of being a grandmother to her future grandchildren.
Seasoned film and television actress Bernadette Allyson opened up about her worries and difficulties about staying in shape, so she has always been on the lookout for what can work for her fast. Rapid weight loss was gaining ground in the entertainment industry, so Bernadette, with the guidance of a medical doctor, hopped on the trend. But she suffered a horrifying episode while filming a project: her blood pressure hit frighteningly high levels! Without hesitation, she came back to her first weight management partner: Marie France. She had to arrest the amount of muscle mass she lost. And she is profusely grateful that Marie France knows exactly how to manage both her muscle mass loss and contouring issues.
Roan Evangelista, a registered pharmacist, shared a truthful, pressing issue for women who are on a rapid weight loss protocol– lawlaw is real. The consequential sagging from rapid weight loss is a daily reminder that the body’s shape and appearance can truthfully look unhealthy. Roan testifies that Marie France is indispensable. She cannot bear the thought of not doing her must-have treatments, so she can deal with perimenopause gracefully and with fortitude in her resolve to be at her best in looks, weight, and strength.
What sets Ira Schadewald apart from most women her age are these truths: she does not want to be on a rapid weight loss regimen, she’s training for her first marathon, and she wants to start her self-care era strongly. Even with pre-existing health conditions, the recording artist and host is focused on making her body as strong and healthy as it can be. And she swears by how Marie France continues to amaze her: her healthy weight management programs are focused on targeting visceral fat in her body, building her muscles, and the recovery she needs after continued days of physical training. Ira mirrors a truth known to women in their 40s: after years of raising children, it is always healthy to give the care and love back to oneself. Especially because Ira looks forward to aging well – happy, content, and strong.
Gino Quillamor, host and entrepreneur, is no stranger to the problem of yo-yoing: gaining weight, losing pounds, only to gain them back. Now several months into the Go Lose Pounds program, Gino’s weight has shown vast improvement: shedding as much as 7 kilos! He confessed that Marie France is a constant go-to because he wants to manage the gaining-pounds-losing-them-only-to-gain-it-back cycle while making sure he doesn’t lose muscle mass and suffer from the gaunt sagging (a factual result of rapid weight loss). These are important for him because at his age, he welcomes the thought of enjoying the outdoors and playing with his grandchildren in the future.
Their stories remind us that there’s no single definition of progress. Whether it’s aging healthily, building muscle, rediscovering physical capabilities, managing the changes that come with perimenopause, or preparing for a marathon, each journey looks different. Ultimately, the right approach is one that considers a person’s unique needs, health, and goals.
Stop guessing, start progressing.
Assumption is the enemy of progress. That’s why doing weight management the Marie France way starts with a comprehensive body composition analysis and personalized consultations with doctors and nutritionists. We got to experience this firsthand through their Visbody 3D scanner, which creates an interactive visual of the body, and their Body Composition Analyzer, which reveals crucial metrics like Body Mass Index, Metabolic Age, Visceral Fat, Bone Mass, Muscle Mass, and Physique Rating. Paired with expert medical guidance, these tools gave us a clear, actionable roadmap—so we never have to guess when it comes to our health.

Don’t forget post-weight loss care.
Reaching your goal weight isn’t the finish line. Because the body naturally tries to return to its previous baseline, maintaining your progress requires long-term habits and targeted care. Marie France helps make long-term maintenance achievable through non-invasive treatments, like Fat Mobilization System Elite and Endospheres. In case you haven’t heard, Fat Mobilization System Elite boosts the body’s natural fat-burning process by targeting visceral fat and kickstarting calorie burning. Endospheres, on the other hand, works beneath the surface to refine body contouring and break down stubborn fat.

This made us realize that health goals aren’t just about the numbers on the scale—they’re defined by the experiences and quality of life they bring. Living to our full potential and being present for the people we love come more naturally when we manage our metabolic health, build muscle, and maintain our strength. Taking care of our health isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a gift to those around us.
So wherever you are on your path today, keep your true goal in mind—what kind of life do you want to unlock once you reach your destination? Through healthy, sustainable, and tailored weight management, Go Lose Pounds – the Marie France way serves as an invitation to be more intentional about your body goals. And whenever you need expert guidance to help you get there, Marie France is ready to walk alongside you every step of the way. Visit mariefrance.com.ph to learn more and schedule your consultation!
