Many people start GLP-1s hoping for a new body—and secretly, a new life. But when the fantasy doesn’t deliver, the unspoken grief of losing food as comfort can quietly sabotage even the best intentions. At OrderlyMeds, we know lasting weight loss takes a full body-and-mind holistic care approach. That’s why we’re proud to introduce Dr. Katie Rickel, a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience in obesity treatment and behavioral change. As our in-house mental health expert, Dr. Rickel plays a pivotal role in helping our customers navigate the emotional and psychological shifts that come with a GLP-1-assisted weight loss journey.
In this feature, you’ll learn how Dr. Rickel supports OrderlyMeds members through expert guidance, what sets her behavioral approach apart, and the single mindset shift she believes can help anyone create sustainable change.
A Trusted Voice in Weight and Wellness
Dr. Katie Rickel graduated summa cum laude from Duke University and earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Florida. She completed an APA-accredited internship in health psychology at Duke University Medical Center, with specialized training in obesity, chronic illness, and bariatric treatment.
Today, she serves as the CEO of Structure House, a nationally recognized residential weight management program. She also maintains a private practice supporting individuals with weight concerns, anxiety, and depression. Her expertise has been featured in The Dr. Oz Show, The Wall Street Journal, Health, Women’s Health, and The New York Times.
Designing Tools for Lasting Change
Dr. Katie joined the OrderlyMeds team in early 2025 with a clear purpose: help people stay engaged—mentally and emotionally—through the highs and lows of GLP-1-assisted weight loss. She designed the 30/60/90 Day Mindset Milestone Workbook, a proprietary resource that addresses the common emotional hurdles people face at each stage of their journey.
Her work directly tackles one of the biggest challenges in GLP-1 treatment: drop-off after the 90-day mark. Whether it’s the return of old habits, social pressure, or unexpected grief over the role food once played, Dr. Katie ensures that OrderlyMeds customers don’t face these transitions alone.
She also leads interactive support group discussions that focus on real-world experiences—covering everything from emotional eating and motivation to handling well-meaning “food pushers” in your social circle. These aren’t lectures; they’re facilitated conversations designed to create space for customers to connect, share their journeys, and feel less alone in the process. The goal is more than just accountability—it’s about building clarity, confidence, and community through shared experience.
Expert Insights: From Food as Comfort to Food as Choice
Dr. Katie approaches weight loss as a deeply emotional transformation, not just a physical one. She’s especially interested in how GLP-1s change the way people experience food—removing the chemical satisfaction that once made it a reliable comfort tool.
“For many people, food has been a coping mechanism since childhood—there when we’re sad, celebrating, stressed, or grieving,” she says. “When GLP-1s dull that emotional reward, it can feel like losing an old friend. There’s a real grief process that needs to be acknowledged.”
Through her workbook and discussions, Dr. Katie encourages customers to diversify their coping strategies and build new emotional outlets that support lasting change. Her four focus areas are:
- Social relationships – How weight loss and medication shift dynamics
- Motivation – Why it’s fickle, and how to reconnect with your “why”
- Habits and lifestyle – Breaking patterns that no longer serve you
- Relationship with food – Moving from emotional reliance to intentional choice
Why Mental Health Support Matters
Dr. Katie is quick to emphasize that support systems can make or break a weight loss journey—and not just clinical support. She references four types of support that OrderlyMeds prioritizes:
- Emotional support – From professionals and peers who understand your challenges
- Informational support – Actionable insights from experts and those further along
- Tangible support – Tools and resources that make it easier to stay on track
- Companionship – Feeling seen and supported, even through a shared online space
While most GLP-1 providers offer a prescription and little else, Dr. Katie sees OrderlyMeds as unique in its holistic care model: “Most companies just offer medication. Here, there’s real attention to emotional support, practical help, and creating spaces where people feel seen.”
What She Wants Every Beginner to Know
When asked what advice she’d give to someone just starting GLP-1s, Dr. Katie doesn’t hesitate:
“Keep your expectations low. Not about your potential—but about how fast your life will change. So many people expect weight loss to unlock a fantasy: a new job, a new relationship, instant confidence. But your life will still be your life.” The body may change, she tells us, but the inner work is where the real transformation happens.
She also recommends that new users get honest about what scares them most—success or failure. “Self-sabotage is often rooted in fear,” she says. “What would it mean if you actually got what you wanted?”
Why Her Work Matters at OrderlyMeds
From creating exclusive resources to facilitating connection, Dr. Katie’s work exemplifies the heart of OrderlyMeds’ approach: care that addresses the whole person.
She’s especially inspired by the level of alignment across the OrderlyMeds team. “Everyone—from leadership to customer service—takes calls, hears real stories, and truly understands what our customers are going through,” she says. That kind of access and empathy is rare.
A Final Note from Dr. Katie
When she’s not facilitating discussions or writing workbooks, you can find Dr. Katie lifting weights at 6:15 AM, logging 15,000 steps a day, or indulging in a good reality TV binge. She may live and breathe wellness, but she believes in balance, too.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you’re just starting or you’ve hit a plateau, support from our experts like Dr. Katie can make all the difference. Explore our group discussions, download the Mindset Milestone Workbook, or schedule a consultation to see how our holistic, expert-led care can support your next milestone.
