Finding Balance: How One Man Used Medication and Mindset to Achieve Significant Weight Loss
For nurse practitioner Tim Nicaise, weight was more than just a number on the scale; it was a heavy weight on his physical and mental health.
Carrying the weight of a demanding career, anxiety during the pandemic, and unhealthy lifestyle habits, he found himself at 300 pounds. Doctors warned of impending health complications like diabetes and sleep apnea, adding to the mounting pressure. Taking the first step toward healing was conquering the deeply ingrained emotional relationship with food that had fueled his weight gain.
“My weight wasn’t just about the pounds,” Nicaise explains. “It was about so much more; my limitations, my self-image, the impact on my confidence, and the fear for my future.”
Finding a doctor who understood the connection between his physical and mental health journey was crucial. His doctor recognized that medication could be an important tool on his journey, recommending Contrave — a prescription medication used for chronic weight management – not as a quick fix, but as part of a comprehensive plan.
While some initially balked at the idea of medication, Nicaise was open to exploring all options. “It almost felt like an ‘easy’ way out,” Nicaise says. He had misgivings about relying on medication.
“I’m a medical professional, and while I know the information, I wasn’t yet ready mentally,” he recalls, mentioning this was mainly due to societal stigma.
Intrigued by how Contrave worked on the brain — by targeting pathways that regulate hunger, mood, and enjoyment associated with food – Nicaise decided to give it a shot. Within six months, combined with dietary changes, intermittent fasting, and daily walks, Nicaise lost 100 pounds.
“The biggest benefit of Contrave wasn’t just the weight loss,” Nicaise emphasizes. “It helped calm the constant cravings and allowed me to focus on building healthier habits.”
The mental shift, accessible to manage those nagging cravings, made all the difference.
He continues, “I replaced instances of mindless eating with activity: walking, exercise, keeping my mind engaged. This change in my thinking was essential no less impactful than the physical thing.”
“Contrave helped me understand my relationship with food,” he says. Nicaise now continues therapy alongside maintaining a healthy lifestyle, only taking naltrexone, one of the components of Contrave, for its mental health benefits.
Nicaise now runs daily instead of walking, his cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure have improved, and the sleep apnea has gone away
“My journey has changed my life completely,” he says.
Nicaise’s story highlights that reaching a healthy weight is not just about a number on the scale or finding the right food plan; it’s about addressing the core philosophy to build new, sustainable habits. It’s about understanding the genetics, behavior, and food struggles. It’s about transforming how we feed our bodies with both food and mind.*
His story summarizes why people are seeking help and embracing the potential for
pharmacological intervention, Supplementing medications with therapy, knowledge, and a plan that works unique to be a healthier person.
For those struggling with weight, Nicaise advises, “Don’t be ashamed; talk to your doctor, and find a doctor who understands.
“Find someone who understands the emotional piece, the behavioral piece. It’s about finding the right combination for you,” he adds, “once you
What led Tim Nicaise to seek help for his weight?
## Finding Balance: A Conversation with Tim Nicaise
**(Host):** Welcome to the show, Tim. Your weight loss journey is truly inspiring. Can you tell us a little more about what led you to seek help?
**(Tim Nicaise):** Thank you for having me. For a long time, my weight wasn’t just about the number on the scale. It was about my limitations, how I saw myself, and the fear for my future. My career was demanding, the pandemic added a lot of stress, and my habits weren’t healthy. It all added up, and I reached 300 pounds. My doctors warned me about serious health risks like diabetes and sleep apnea. It was a wake-up call.
**(Host):** That must have been incredibly daunting. What was the turning point for you?
**(Tim):** Finding a doctor who understood the connection between my physical and mental health was key. He encouraged me to view medication, specifically Contrave, as a tool, not a quick fix. It was part of a bigger plan that included changes to my diet, intermittent fasting, and exercise.
**(Host):** You mentioned medication. It can be a sensitive topic for some people. What was your initial reaction?
**(Tim):** Honestly, I was hesitant. As a nurse practitioner, I knew the science behind it, but there was this societal stigma attached to weight loss medication that made me uncomfortable. It felt like taking the “easy” way out.
**(Host):** How did you overcome those feelings?
**(Tim):** Learning how Contrave actually works, by influencing the brain pathways that control hunger and our enjoyment of food, really changed my perspective. It made sense to me, and I realized I shouldn’t let stigma dictate my choices.
**(Host):** And what were the results?
**(Tim):** Within six months, I saw significant changes. I lost a substantial amount of weight, and most importantly, I felt better physically and mentally. It wasn’t just about the pounds; it was about reclaiming my life.
**(Host):** Your story is a powerful reminder that weight loss is a deeply personal journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Thank you for sharing your experience, Tim.
**(Tim):** Thank you for having me. I hope my story encourages others to seek help and find the support they need to achieve their health goals. [[1](https://www.formhealth.co/blog/mindset-changes-effective-weight-loss)].
