About Will Clower, MD, Founder and CEO
Dr. Will Clower is the founder & CEO of Mediterranean Wellness and works with companies to improve the well-being of their employees by providing the tools they need to incorporate healthy behaviors into their daily lives.
Dr. Clower is also an award winning author who applies his neuroscience doctorate to create the programs that help our own culture enjoy this lifestyle in a way that leads to lower weight, healthier hearts, and longer lives.
After sailing 18,000 miles across two oceans, the covid pandemic pinned him and his family down in New Zealand where he secured a position in the faculty at the Victoria University in Wellington to help create the Wellness@Work hub. This international group combines academic research with program delivery to improve the health of the workplace. In addition, he is a Wellness Ambassador to help “improve the way we deliver care” in New Zealand.
By bridging the US and Kiwi cultures and best practices, Dr. Clower opens a window to a truly unique perspective that can leverage the best possible solutions for both.
About Mediterranean Wellness
Since 2003, Mediterranean Wellness has provided a full wellness portal for client companies, brokers, and resellers. The content is comprehensive and built to easily adapt to the needs of every client.
Customer service is not just what we do, it’s who we are. Let us show you what it is like to have the full attention of your vendor, even after the contract is signed.
The underlying philosophy of all our work extends from the principles of the Mediterranean approach to nutrition, diet, stress, and activity. This content is based on the published works of founder Dr. Will Clower and woven into the fabric of every program you receive with us. Visit https://www.mymedwellness.com/
Medical Travel & Digital Health News (MTDHN): How does the Mediterranean diet compare to weight loss drugs in terms of effectiveness for long-term weight management?
Will Clower (WC): Both the Mediterranean diet and weight loss drugs are effective for long-term weight management, but they operate differently.
The Mediterranean diet offers a holistic approach with cardiovascular benefits and fewer side effects whereas weight loss drugs can lead to significant weight loss but come with higher risks of side effects.
Long-term success with weight loss drugs requires continued use, as discontinuation can lead to weight regain. In fact, a recent study showed that almost 20% of individuals regained all or more weight within a year after stopping the medication.
To maintain weight loss, lifestyle changes similar to those promoted by the Mediterranean diet are necessary. Thus, while weight loss results are comparable, incorporating lifestyle changes is crucial for long-term success, whether using weight loss drugs or not.
MTDHN: What are the side effects of weight loss drugs?
WC: Common side effects of weight loss drugs include gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting. Other side effects can include dizziness and insomnia.
MTDHN: Can you discuss the potential long-term health benefits of adopting the Mediterranean diet versus relying on weight loss drugs?
WC: The Mediterranean diet offers numerous long-term health benefits, including reduced risks of heart disease and stroke by up to 30%, increased longevity and improved brain health. It lowers the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, leading to better mental health, reduced anxiety and better sleep quality.
In contrast, the health benefits of weight loss drugs are primarily tied to the period of weight loss. Once the medication is stopped and weight is regained, these benefits diminish.
The Mediterranean diet, with its focus on whole foods and healthy lifestyle habits, leads to sustained health improvements and becomes a part of daily life, making it more sustainable long-term.
MTDHN: What are some of the key components of the Mediterranean diet that contribute to its effectiveness in weight management and overall health?
WC: The Mediterranean diet integrates healthy eating, mindful practices and positive lifestyle behaviors. Key components include consuming whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil and lean proteins.
The diet also emphasizes mindful eating, savoring meals and eating with loved ones, which correlates with psychological resilience and mental well-being.
Social connections are also vital, as shared meals improve social cohesion and mental health, making the diet enjoyable and sustainable.
MTDHN: Are there any foods to avoid on the Mediterranean diet?
WC: Avoid processed foods and items that are not real foods.
The diet emphasizes consuming whole, unprocessed foods that were once alive, like fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.
MTDHN: How do lifestyle factors such as physical activity and social engagement play in the effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet compared to weight loss drugs?
WC: Lifestyle factors are crucial to the success of the Mediterranean diet. It naturally incorporates daily physical activity and emphasizes social engagement through shared meals, creating a sense of community and support.
These aspects enhance adherence to the diet, making it sustainable for both physical and mental health.
Weight loss drugs, however, do not inherently include these lifestyle components and need to be supplemented with physical activity and social support to be effective long-term.
MTDHN: How do weight loss drugs affect metabolic health in the long term compared to the metabolic benefits of the Mediterranean diet?
WC: Weight loss drugs can lead to immediate improvements in metabolic markers such as blood sugar control and cardiovascular risk factors.
However, these benefits often reverse if the medication is discontinued.
The Mediterranean diet leads to more gradual but sustainable metabolic improvements, including better insulin sensitivity and reduced risks of heart disease and stroke due to its anti-inflammatory foods. The diet’s long-term sustainability is a key advantage over the more temporary benefits of weight loss drugs.
MTDHN: How do you foresee the future of weight management strategies evolving with the rise of weight loss drugs?
WC: Weight loss drugs will continue to be used but should be seen as a short-term solution.
The future of weight management should involve combining weight loss drugs with lifestyle approaches like the Mediterranean diet to enhance both immediate and long-term benefits.
This integrated approach will help maintain the initial weight loss achieved by the drugs and promote overall health and well-being.
MTDHN: How does the cost and accessibility of the Mediterranean diet compare to weight loss drugs in the long term?
WC: The Mediterranean diet involves whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, grains and lean proteins and can be adapted to various budgets.
Weight loss drugs, however, can be expensive and require continuous use, leading to significant long-term costs. They also require prescriptions and may have side effects that need additional medical consultations, further increasing costs and complexity.
MTDHN: Are Mediterranean diet foods hard to find in typical grocery stores?
WC: No, the foods required for the Mediterranean diet are commonly found in typical grocery stores. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil and lean proteins like fish and chicken.
No special purchases or subscriptions are necessary, making the diet accessible and flexible.
MTDHN: Do you think adopting the Mediterranean lifestyle early in life can help avoid large weight gains?
WC: Yes, adopting the Mediterranean lifestyle early in life can help prevent large weight gains and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
People who live in Mediterranean regions and follow this diet from a young age tend to have healthier hearts and longer lives, suggesting that early adoption can lead to better health outcomes.
MTDHN: How do the psychological benefits of the Mediterranean diet, such as improved mood and reduced stress, compare to the psychological effects of weight loss drugs?
WC: The Mediterranean diet is associated with numerous psychological benefits, including improved mood, reduced depression, lower stress levels and enhanced mental well-being. These benefits stem from its rich nutrient content and mindful eating practices.
Weight loss drugs can also improve mood and reduce anxiety due to weight loss, but their psychological benefits are often temporary and tied to continued use. Stopping the medication can lead to weight regain and potential negative impacts on mental health.
Combining the Mediterranean diet with weight loss drugs can provide a more sustainable approach to mental and physical health.
MTDHN: How do weight loss drugs and the Mediterranean diet differ in their approach to lifestyle factors?
WC: The Mediterranean diet naturally includes lifestyle factors such as physical activity and social engagement, which are crucial for its success. These factors enhance adherence to the diet and improve overall well-being.
Weight loss drugs do not inherently include these lifestyle components and need to be supplemented with physical activity and social support for long-term effectiveness.
MTDHN: What are your thoughts on Medicare considering coverage for weight loss drugs, especially for elderly people with chronic conditions?
WC: The increased prevalence of weight loss drugs due to Medicare coverage raises concerns.
There is a risk that some practitioners might over-prescribe these medications without providing the necessary lifestyle support.
It is crucial to combine weight loss drugs with lifestyle changes for sustainable health benefits.
Educating the population about the importance of integrating these medications with a healthy lifestyle is vital to ensure long-term success.
MTDHN: How does bariatric surgery compare to weight loss drugs and the Mediterranean diet in terms of long-term weight management?
WC: Bariatric surgery can be effective for significant weight loss but comes with risks and the potential for weight regain if not accompanied by lifestyle changes.
Like weight loss drugs, it should be combined with sustainable dietary and lifestyle strategies to maintain long-term health benefits.
The Mediterranean diet provides a non-invasive, holistic approach that can complement both weight loss drugs and bariatric surgery to enhance and sustain their benefits.