Motivated to meet her goal to lose weight and keep it off, Shannon Martin of Mankato has found the right team to support her all the way to the finish line. Her team is a nutrition specialist, exercise specialist and medical provider from Enara Health, a program offered at the Mankato Clinic.
“Enara Health has been different than other programs because you have a plan that is specific to your needs; you have a team of providers that have proven to stick by you when life is lifing,” Shannon says.
Shannon joined Enara Health in June of 2022.
“My energy was nonexistent, my body just felt run down all the time. I talked with my Mankato Clinic provider about that, and he recommended trying Enara Health,” she says.
Shannon met her first goal of losing 30 pounds and maintained the loss for more than two years, while going through a stressful life change. Along the way, she has benefited from medications to assist in weight loss and management.
“I have begun the second leg of my journey. I have had a goal since day one and I am not going to be finished with Enara until I have reached my original goal and can maintain it,” she says.
Enara Health differs from traditional weight management plans. Enara is offered through Mankato Clinic as part of your medical care, covered by most insurance plans, and your primary care provider can follow your progress.
“One of the reasons I joined Enara Health was because of the extensive assessments that are completed to create a plan that was individually tailored to me,” Shannon explains.
The comprehensive evaluation includes a body composition measurement, metabolic and hormonal testing, genetic testing and an emotional assessment.
“Knowing what all your numbers are and understanding them is important in reaching your goals,” she says.
Enara Health is primarily a telehealth program. A smartphone app connects members to their Enara medical provider, nutrition specialist and exercise specialist. The easy-to-use and convenient app is used for weekly check-ins with the team. Between visits, members can contact their team with questions or when they need extra support. Messages are answered promptly.
In addition, Enara members go to Mankato Clinic for in-person visits for diagnostic tests and body composition scans.
Shannon’s nutrition specialist is Natalie Devlin, who helped her make changes without even knowing she was making changes in her eating habits!
“Her support has been unwavering, her knowledge and experience has let me see that I’m not alone in my struggles with food. I’ve learned to be able to live a healthy life while also enjoying things that I love,” Shannon says.
In the beginning of her journey, Shannon worked with an exercise specialist who was “no excuses” and that was exactly what she needed. She had support along with the expectation to follow through. Today she is working with a new exercise specialist, who is just as supportive.
As an Enara member, Shannon thinks differently about weight and health as she better understands the science of weight gain and loss and how genetics play a role.
Her advice to others: “If you are motivated enough to make a goal, willing to work hard at reaching that goal, and are just as motivated in maintaining your goals, Enara Health is the best option.”
Learn more about Enara Health.