Written by: Cassie Donnelly, NP

With the rising popularity of GLP-1 and GIP medications like Ozempic, Zepbound, and Saxenda, weight loss is becoming a hot topic in medical offices, medi-spas, and even on social media. These medications can be powerful tools, but they’re just one piece of a much larger puzzle. At our practice, we believe that sustainable weight loss must go beyond medication and quick fixes – it requires a comprehensive, root-cause approach that honors your unique body and health journey.

More Than Just Medication

Weight regulation is a complex process – one that involves much more than simply taking a medication. Hormones, metabolism, gut health, sleep quality, muscle mass, inflammation, and stress all play critical roles in how the body holds onto or releases weight.

While GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic), tirzepatide (Zepbound), and liraglutide (Saxenda) can be powerful tools for appetite regulation and insulin sensitivity, relying on medication alone – without addressing the root causes – can lead to frustration, plateaus, and rebound weight gain.

What many people don’t realize is that these medications were originally designed for long-term use, similar to treatments for conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Without meaningful lifestyle shifts that support metabolism, preserve lean muscle, and build long-term vitality, the results are rarely sustainable. Any program that promotes these drugs as a short-term “fix” is not telling the full story.

We offer dedicated weight loss visits that go far beyond the number on the scale. If GLP-1s are appropriate for you, we can prescribe them through trusted compounding pharmacies (when available) or your local pharmacy. We also tailor your dosing with slow titration to minimize side effects and support your body’s natural rhythms.

But medications are just one tool.

The real transformation happens when we look beneath the surface, at what’s been keeping your body from thriving, and create a plan that supports your system fully. That’s where the healing begins.

A Personalized Approach to Lasting Results

At our practice, we go far beyond the scale. Our functional medicine approach is rooted in evidence-based strategies designed to address the full complexity of your metabolism, hormones, and lifestyle. Here’s what we focus on:

Cortisol and Stress Management

Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can drive fat storage – particularly in the abdominal region. Elevated cortisol also interferes with thyroid function, insulin sensitivity, and disrupts sleep – all of which affect metabolism. We assess adrenal function and nervous system regulation, and provide targeted interventions such as adaptogenic herbs, mindfulness practices, breathwork, and circadian rhythm support to bring the body back into balance.

Gut Health Optimization

The gut microbiome plays a critical role in metabolism, inflammation, and hormone regulation. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut flora, can lead to increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), systemic inflammation, and disrupted blood sugar control. We use stool testing and clinical assessment to evaluate gut function, then create personalized protocols including prebiotics, probiotics, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and gut lining repair to restore microbial diversity and digestive health.

Hormone Balance

Weight loss resistance is often hormonally driven. Common culprits include subclinical hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, estrogen dominance, and low testosterone. We test key markers such as free T3, fasting insulin, leptin, DHEA, and sex hormone ratios to identify imbalances. From there, we use evidence-based interventions ranging from dietary adjustments to botanical medicine and targeted supplementation, to restore hormonal synergy and improve metabolic function.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Guidance

Calories matter, but context matters more. Inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and meal timing all influence metabolic flexibility and fat loss. We provide guidance on anti-inflammatory eating, macronutrient balance, circadian eating patterns, and nutrient repletion. We also integrate movement strategies (like zone 2 cardio and resistance training), sleep hygiene, and stress mitigation to optimize metabolism and energy output.

Body Composition & Muscle Preservation

Fat loss is only part of the picture. Preserving lean muscle mass is essential for long-term metabolic health, especially when using GLP-1 medications. These drugs can suppress appetite to the point that protein intake and resistance training are neglected, leading to sarcopenia (muscle loss). We measure body composition where possible and encourage a high-protein diet with strength training to promote fat loss without compromising muscle integrity.

Metabolic Health Monitoring

Sustainable weight loss is about more than just appearance, it’s about reducing chronic disease risk. We monitor key markers including:

• Fasting insulin
• HOMA-IR (insulin resistance index)
• HbA1c and glucose variability
• Lipid panels (including LDL particle size)
• Inflammatory markers like hs-CRP

This data helps us fine-tune your protocol and track real improvements in metabolic flexibility and cardiovascular risk.

The M.E.S.S. Framework

One of my mentors, Dr. Shilpa Saxena, teaches that to change the body, we often need to address the M.E.S.S. – Mental, Emotional, Spiritual, and Social terrain of our lives. Whether it’s chronic overwork, emotional eating, or feeling unsupported in relationships, these deeper dynamics matter. We hold space for this work in our sessions because physical transformation is often blocked by unresolved inner patterns – and true health requires integration on every level.

A Holistic, Science-Based Path to Wellness

If you’ve been curious about GLP-1 medications or exploring your own path to weight loss, we invite you to consider a deeper, more sustainable approach.

Our functional medicine lens allows us to walk alongside you with science, compassion, and strategy. Together, we’ll find what’s holding you back, unlock your body’s natural wisdom, and support your long-term health, inside and out.

When you’re ready to move beyond the scale and into lasting, empowered wellness, we’re here to help.

→ Contact us to schedule a discovery call and begin your journey.