Weight Management
Weight gain is often associated with gut health issues, hormonal imbalance, underactive thyroid, vitamin D deficiency, HGH deficiency, low testosterone, high cortisol, or poor lifestyle. Specialized testing and symptom review can allow our practice to identify the root cause and offer solutions to achieve your weight management goals.
Female Weight Management
Most women gain weight during perimenopause and/or menopause. This is commonly due to hormonal imbalance and an increase in the inflammatory process. The body begins to redirect fat distribution to the abdominal region instead of the gluteal and femoral regions as women’s estrogen levels lessen. Lowering estrogen levels also leads menopausal women to experience more intense hunger signals due to the loss of the ability to modulate hunger hormones.
Male Weight Management
For men, low testosterone levels can also result in weight gain, as well as decreased muscle mass and decreased bone density. Testosterone replacement can help by optimizing testosterone levels, leading to improved muscle mass, metabolism, and overall health.
Weight Management with Hormonal Balance & Nutrition
Weight management becomes possible when the body is in harmony, with balanced hormones working together for smooth bodily function, and when you are taking in the correct amount of nutrients. CHS looks at lifestyle and root causes that may be contributing to weight gain. Excess weight increases the risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and more. Sometimes prescription medications are useful to help assist you in your weight loss efforts.
What solution is right for you?
Weight Management / Moderate Weight Loss (looking to maintain your healthy weight or lose 5-15 lbs)
Metformin works by reducing blood sugar levels and inflammation. Metformin is an effective drug to help suppress appetite. This medication can reduce weight in insulin sensitive and insulin resistant obese or overweight patients.
Vitamin B12 Injections (skinny shots): These injections contain methionine, inositol, choline and B12. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates, as well as the production of red blood cells. Studies have suggested that low levels of Vitamin B12 may be linked to obesity, and that supplementation with Vitamin B12 may help to increase energy levels and boost metabolism.
Phentermine is an FDA-approved medication used to curb appetite by stimulating the central nervous system. This medication is helpful for patients who suffer from constant cravings and thoughts about food. Phentermine is taken orally and intended for short-term use.
Low dose naltrexone is also known as LDN. Naltrexone itself is a prescription drug known as an opioid antagonist. In the past this drug was only prescribed for opioid and alcohol use disorders. It is now being prescribed in much smaller doses or microdoses for autoimmune diseases, systemic inflammation, chronic pain, depression, insomnia, thyroid disease, weight loss, cancer prevention, and more.
Enhanced Weight Loss (looking to lose 15+ lbs)
Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) is prescription medication that works by mocking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which works on the part of the brain that controls appetite and food intake, regulates blood sugar, and slows the process of your stomach discarding food. This medication makes your body feel less hungry which causes you to eat less food.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is a single peptide that works on two hunger hormone receptors: It works on the GLP-1 receptor like semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) but also works on another hormone GiP . It increases insulin production, decreases glucagon, decreases gastric emptying (feel full longer), and overall helps to control hunger and cravings. Working on two hunger hormones gives it a greater effect on weight reduction- and the potential to be the most effective weight loss medication available.
How do these medications work?
This hormone controls insulin secretion as well as appetite, fullness, and metabolism. Greater weight loss and glucose control is seen with Tirzepatide because it consists of 2 active hormones both working together as opposed to the single hormone in Semaglutide. Weight loss of 25-30% of starting weight is typical of Tirzepatide with 16 to 21% of starting weight with Semaglutide Recent research has also shown patients that utilize GLP1 injections can notice a decline in addictive & compulsive behaviors such as drinking alcohol, smoking, shopping, nail biting, and skin picking.
Where is this medication compounded?
This medication is compounded at Hallandale Pharmacy located in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Hallandale has been a well trusted and accredited pharmacy by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board since 2004. The diligence of Hallandale ensures quality, safety, and efficacy of their compounded medications providing assurance to patients as well as providers. Please find more information on Hallandale pharmacy HERE.