Weight loss is often treated as simple math: eat less, move more, try harder. For many people, that advice has never been enough. At Hill Family Medicine, medical weight loss starts with a different question: what caused the weight gain, and what has to change for the loss to last?
Your first visit
We start with a full picture of your health:
- Lab work to look for metabolic, hormonal, thyroid and nutritional factors
- A review of your medical history and current medications, some of which can cause weight gain
- A conversation about sleep, stress, activity and your relationship with food
GLP-1 medications: a helpful tool, not the whole plan
GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide mimic hormones your body already makes. They help you feel full sooner, reduce cravings and support blood sugar control. For the right patient, they can make progress possible when it has felt out of reach.
Most of our patients use compounded GLP-1 medication. Occasionally a brand-name GLP-1 is covered by private insurance, so check with your insurance plan. We will walk you through your options and costs and help you choose what fits your health and budget. Follow-up visits can be done by telehealth if you have a scale at home to report your weight.
GLP-1s are prescription medicines with real side effects. Nausea, constipation and reflux are common, especially when the dose goes up. Rarer risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. They are not right for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2, or during pregnancy. We monitor you closely and adjust as needed.
What else your plan may include
Medication works best with a plan built around it:
- Nutrition focused on protein, fiber and steady blood sugar
- Strength training to protect muscle while you lose fat
- Better sleep, which affects hunger and energy
- Support for emotional eating, cravings and stress
- Regular check-ins to track progress and adjust your plan
Planning for life after medication
Many people regain weight when they stop a GLP-1. That is why we plan for maintenance from the start, building the habits, strength and support you need so the results can last. See also how weight loss can help manage chronic conditions.
