Meet Courtney Whittle | Obesity Medicine Physician, Business Owner, and Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Whittle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Honestly, the idea for Weight A Minute Clinic came straight from both my personal journey and what I kept seeing in my patients. I knew what it felt like to sit in a doctor’s office and be told to “just exercise more” or “eat less” — as if it were that simple. Even as a physician myself, I remember thinking, “Well, duh, I am doing that… and it’s still not working and I am tired of killing myself in the gym and not seeing results. I am tired of looking in the mirror and seeing myself but I am not myself” That frustration, that feeling of being unseen, stuck with me.

At the same time, I was watching people in my own community — people who look like me — die from conditions like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, not because they lacked the willpower, but because they lacked access. Access to doctors who understand, access to supportive care, and access to real, sustainable solutions that fit into their everyday lives. Access to physicians who understand that not every neighborhood has a grocery store, or gyms or even lights outside that make it safe to go for a walk. Understands that some people eat fast food daily and it’s important to not shame them, but help them make the right choices in the drive-thru.

So Weight A Minute Clinic was born out of both urgency and compassion. I wanted to create a place where patients don’t feel judged, but instead feel empowered — where care is whole-person, approachable, and actually doable. That’s why we bring everything together in one place: medical care, nutrition education that feels relatable, even virtual yoga and behavioral health support.

In short, the idea came from wanting to kill obesity quicker than it’s killing us, but to do it with empathy, creativity, and community at the center. Weight A Minute Clinic is really my way of saying: your health can’t wait, and you don’t have to do this journey alone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, the itinerary would definitely reflect the things that keep me grounded and happy — simple pleasures, self-care, and good food.

A typical day with me almost always starts with brunch because breakfast is hands-down my favorite meal. We’d stop at one of Atlanta’s many great brunch spots to ease into the day. After that, you can usually find me at the spa at The Whitley Hotel — it’s one of my favorite places to recharge and reset. I’m a big believer in self-care, especially with how busy life can be.

In the afternoons, we’d spend some time outdoors — walking or sitting in the park (on those blessed days when it’s not mosquito season!). There’s something about quiet time in nature that helps me reconnect. And then, for a little “me time,” I’d absolutely take them to TJMaxx. It might sound funny, but there’s something therapeutic about strolling the aisles with music in my ears — it’s one of my little rituals.

Evenings would be for good food and good music. I’d choose a dinner spot where we can enjoy a meal and listen to live music — the perfect way to end a day. Over the course of the week, it would be a mix of brunch, spa visits, parks, little shopping trips, and dinners with music. Nothing too flashy, just simple joys and quality time — which to me, really is the best way to spend time with someone you love.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, Keedar Whittle. When we met, I was working as a pediatrician. Don’t get me wrong, enjoyed my work and I knew I was helping people, but deep down I felt like something was missing — my days lacked passion, and I didn’t feel like what I was doing was truly making an impact. Not beyond that individual patient encounter and appointment. I wanted to do more.

Keedar is a visionary, an artist, and someone who sees the world through a different lens. He taught me that life without passion is really no life at all, and that helping people feel seen again should always be at the heart of my work — even if it doesn’t make me a dime. I read this book called Ikigai and it stressed the importance of finding the balance of what you love, what makes you money, and what impacts others. Obesity medicine is my Ikigai. Weight A Minute Clinic helps me empower patients to participate in their healthcare, better understand nutrition and how to prioritize themselves. The part of my job that really fuels me though is the fact that Weight A Minute Clinic helps me provide patients with confidence, to move to the front of the crowd in pictures and to walk past a mirror and wink at themselves. His encouragement and perspective pushed me to step outside the box, follow my calling, and build something that fuels both my purpose and my community.

So much of who I am today as a physician, leader, and entrepreneur is because he reminded me that passion is not optional — it’s essential.

Website: www.weightaminuteclinic.com

Instagram: @weightaminuteclinic @drceenicole

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/drceenicole