How Did We Get Here?

Our society faces numerous challenges that have led to widespread health issues. It's nearly impossible for most people to maintain an ideal exercise routine and a balanced diet amid the demands of modern life.

• Overwork and Stress: In the U.S., many individuals are stretched thin, trying to balance family responsibilities, rising living costs, and career demands. This often means prioritizing everyone else over their own health, especially for those aged 30-50 who are juggling family and work commitments. The structure of our busy lives makes it difficult to maintain metabolic health.

• Toxins: Daily exposure to toxins from personal care products, cooking materials, air, water, and the food supply can lead to hormonal imbalances, further complicating weight management.

• Sedentary Lifestyles:With over 86% of Americans working desk jobs, we are more sedentary than ever, contributing to various health problems.

• Nutrient-Depleted Food Supply: Soil degradation and the prevalence of genetically modified crops have reduced the nutrient content in our food. Additionally, our food contains more preservatives and chemicals, which damages our gut health and contributing to a rise in auto-immune, mental health dysfunction, and metabolic dysfunction. Some of these substances and chemicals are banned in Europe.

• Misguided Education: Historical dietary guidelines have also played a role. The 1992 Food Pyramid from the US Department of Agriculture promoted a high carbohydrate intake, with 6-11 servings per day, shaping misguided nutritional beliefs for many. In addition, the federal government started promoting the low-fat diet which became popular in the 1980s and 1990s, effectively replacing fat with more carbs and sugar to retain taste which worsened metabolic dysfunction in adults.

By understanding these factors, we can better address the root causes of our health challenges and work towards more sustainable, healthy lifestyles.

The Problem

A 2016 study polling 8,000+ Americans shows that 88% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy, defined as having suboptimal levels of five factors: blood glucose (sugar), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure and waist circumference, without the need for medications. For those who hate math, that means only 12% of adult Americans are metabolically healthy.

The study assessed the presence of the 5 criteria for Metabolic Syndrome, along with the absence of taking medication for each criterion:

• abdominal obesity – waist circumference <102/88 cm for men/women

• blood pressure – <120 systolic and 80 diastolic

• fasting blood glucose <100 mg/dL and HgbA1c < 5.7%

• triglycerides < 150 mg/dL

• HDL cholesterol ≥ 40/50 mg/dL in men/women

The first sign of a metabolically unhealthy individual may be elevated fasting insulin levels. These levels rise before blood sugar levels because the body produces more insulin to compensate for reduced cell sensitivity to insulin. To maintain normal blood sugar, more insulin is produced, causing insulin levels to increase before blood sugar or HA1C levels do. However, most primary care doctors only test for fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1C, which can indicate problems years after fasting insulin levels rise. It is not long before a patient develops insulin resistance, contributing to many chronic diseases we know today.

Metabolic Health Breakthrough: GLP-1 Agonists

With over 88% of Americans metabolically unhealthy, GLP-1 agonists have been a game-changer since their introduction in 2005, gaining major attention in 2022 with Ozempic. While not a complete solution, they can give patients a valuable boost toward better health.

GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, mimic the GLP-1 hormone naturally produced in our gut that is released after a meal to signal fullness. These agonists bind to our GLP-1 receptors for 6-7 days, significantly longer than the 1-2 minutes of our natural GLP-1 hormone. This extended binding leads to numerous direct and indirect benefits, including:

• Regulating Blood Sugar: They help manage blood sugar and insulin levels, improving insulin sensitivity and lowering average blood sugar levels.

• Promoting Fullness: They make us feel fuller quicker and for longer, leading to calorie restriction without feeling starved.

• Longevity Tool:New research in longevity medicine shows calorie-restriction, even by 25%, may slow aging.

• Reducing Addictive Behaviors: They affect the brain's reward center, decreasing the urge to overeat, drink excessively, and other addictions.

• Health Benefits: GLP-1 agonists have shown anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, as well as improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Achieving Your Healthiest Self

The long-term goal is to become the healthiest version of yourself, improving your quality of life today, reducing the risk of chronic illness tomorrow, and achieving a healthier future.

Through my work with patients, we have successfully corrected unhealthy eating habits, learned mindful eating, increased physical activity, lived more in the present, and appreciated our bodies—with the help of GLP-1s. It’s crucial to use your time on GLP-1s as a “second chance” to get your lifestyle on track. Commit to the process. Prioritize daily movement, nutrient-dense foods, and stress reduction.

If you’re struggling to make changes on your own and are 20+ lbs overweight, it might be time to take back control of your life. I promise you won’t regret it.

Many patients choose Wellbeings Medical over large, internet-based GLP-1 programs because of the level of personalized care and ongoing support they receive. Unlike high-volume platforms that rely on automated systems or non-provider staff, Wellbeings Medical offers direct access to an experienced, licensed medical provider who oversees your care throughout the program.

We offer three membership tiers, allowing patients to receive the appropriate level of medical support and accountability at each stage of their weight loss and metabolic health journey.

In addition to weight management, providers at Wellbeings Medical are trained in functional medicine and longevity medicine, enabling a comprehensive, whole-person approach to care. Treatment plans may address areas such as sleep quality, stress and anxiety, cardiovascular health, brain health, gut health, and metabolic optimization—not weight alone.

For patients who are interested and medically appropriate, the practice also offers access to additional therapies such as peptides (e.g., BPC-157, CJC-Ipamorelin, Sermorelin, Selank/Semax) and NAD as part of a broader health optimization strategy.

Wellbeings Medical is also committed to improving medication affordability. We offer competitive medication pricing and a structured Maintenance Program once target weight is achieved. At $79/month, this long-term support option is uncommon in the GLP-1 treatment space.

Active Membership – $299/month

All patients start their journey here. Designed for patients who desire the highest level of provider involvement and accountability.

• Two scheduled video visits per month

• Ideal for initiating treatment and implementing lifestyle changes

• Most patients remain in this tier for approximately 3–6 months

Bridge Membership – $149/month

For patients who require ongoing medical oversight with less frequent check-ins.

• One video visit per month

• Appropriate for patients who are stable on treatment and need less accountability

Maintenance Membership – $79/month

For patients who have reached their target weight and are focused on long-term success.

• Video visits on an as-needed basis

• Continued access to medication refills, labs, peptides, and general provider care

• Designed to support sustained results at a low monthly cost

• Medical evaluation and prescription of medication based on individual needs and clinical appropriateness

• Ongoing concierge-level secure text/chat support

• Personalized metabolic optimization plan addressing:

  • Nutrition

  • Supplements

  • Sleep

  • Mood and stress

  • Movement and exercise

• Access to discounted lab pricing, including Galleri Cancer testing, micronutrient testing, genetic testing, toxin burden testing, and more

• Preferred pricing for Hormone Optimization program

• Access to telemedicine urgent care services for common conditions (e.g., UTI, flu, conjunctivitis, skin conditions)

Please note: Medication and laboratory testing costs are not included in monthly membership fees.

In addition to weight loss, many patients report improvements such as:

• Improved blood sugar regulation

• Reduced bloating and systemic inflammation

• Improved cholesterol markers

• Increased metabolic efficiency

• Reduction in visceral and subcutaneous fat

• Decreased cravings and emotional eating

• Reduced alcohol desire

• Improved mental clarity and focus

• Enhanced confidence, mood, and overall well-being

• Increased motivation for healthier nutrition and regular exercise

• Anti-aging and metabolic health benefits

• Improved fertility markers in some patients

Individual results vary.

Pricing and availability may vary.

When comparing programs, it is important to evaluate cost per milligram (mg) rather than cost per vial.

• Compounded Semaglutide: approximately $450 per 10 mg vial

  • May last ~3 months or longer at lower doses

• Compounded Tirzepatide: approximately $600 per 60 mg vial

  • Duration depends on prescribed dose (e.g., 5 mg weekly ≈ 12 weeks)

• Retatrutide (investigational): available through a compounding lab for eligible patients

  • Approximately $350 per vial, lasting ~12 weeks

  • Learn more

Brand-name medications such as Wegovy® and Zepbound® may be prescribed for self-pay or insurance coverage if included on your insurance formulary. If you are curious of this route, please call your insurance and ask if “Zepbound or Wegovy is on formulary.” If it is not on formulary, even if you meet criteria, you will not receive coverage.

Patients should contact their insurance provider to confirm coverage eligibility and coverage. Common criteria may include:

• Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic®, Mounjaro®)

• BMI ≥30 (some plans require BMI ≥40)

• BMI ≥28 with a documented obesity-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, PCOS, documented sleep apnea)

• Medicare will only cover Wegovy if you are BMI > 28 and a documented prior heart attack, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease.

Manufacturer self-pay programs:

• Zepbound® (Eli Lilly)

• Wegovy® (Novo Nordisk)

• Prices are always changing so click the link above to see what is available.