Witnessing how my patients were treated in the community for “weight loss,” I was appalled. Their care was often superficial, shaming, and completely disconnected from science or compassion. Anyone who knows me knows that I don't stand by silently as a witness to atrocious medicine.
Fat is essential and beautiful, but when dysregulated, it acts as a signaling organ that can disrupt nearly every system in the body. Driven by that understanding, I launched a project to bring sustainable, whole-person wellness to those seeking to embrace—not fight—the power of this misunderstood organ. I'm committed to challenging the industries that have monetized weight loss at the expense of people’s health and dignity, and to building something radically different.
Balance is about offering every meaningful facet of wellness—biological, psychological, emotional, and social—to help individuals not only achieve sustainable success, but to access the vibrant, flourishing parts of life that make it worth living. It’s simple. Check out my Flourishing Theory below. I want it for everyone.
Why is my profile pic a tornado? Well, I'm here to stir things up, challenge stale ideas, and blow through the nonsense—especially when it comes to how we treat bodies, weight, and mental health.
Consider yourself warned… and welcome.
Dr. Julie Brownley, MD, PhD
Dr. Julie R. Brownley, MD, PhD, is a board-certified adult and women’s psychiatrist. She specializes in reproductive psychiatry, integrative psychiatry, and pre-clinical and clinical obesity medicine. She earned an MD and PhD from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed her residency in adult psychiatry at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, with targeted training in women’s mood disorders, chronic migraine, and brain stimulation. Dr. Brownley also completed a PhD in molecular Medicine from University of Maryland School of medicine.
A leader in psychiatry, Dr. Brownley brings a holistic, patient-centered approach—prioritizing medication sparing strategies, non-pharmacological interventions, and body-inclusive care that respects individual diversity and challenges rigid diet‐culture norms .
Dr. Brownley has developed expert-level training in medical approaches targeting metabolic syndrome, a condition that underlies a wide range of serious health issues, leading to increased body fat and dysregulated endocrine signaling.
As a reproductive psychiatrist she also has specialized expertise in perinatal mental health, menstrual-related mood changes, postpartum transitions, and midlife hormonal shifts. In addition, she provides comprehensive care for conditions such as OCD, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and grief—bringing a deeply integrated approach to both physical and mental health.
In addition to her clinical practice offering telehealth across multiple states, Dr. Brownley is an educator at Johns Hopkins, SohoMD, and the broader psychiatric community, advocating for equitable, culturally sensitive mental health training and treatment for women.
Patients describe her as compassionate, collaborative, and deeply knowledgeable. She is known for taking the time to listen, explain diagnoses clearly, and develop tailored treatment plans—empowering individuals to flourish across all stages of life
