How our weight loss program works

  • Schedule a consultation: Once your consultation is booked, you will receive important forms you will need to complete prior to your appointment. If needed, you will complete pre-appointment lab work. Your initial consultation is 60 minutes long, we will discuss your health history, current medications, review lab results, weight loss medication(s) (if appropriate) and create a personalized weight loss treatment plan including exercise, diet, sleep, and mental health.

  • Medications (if appropriate) will be prescribed for 30 day supply

  • Follow up appointments with provider monthly to monitor weight loss progress and medication side effects

Weight loss can offer a range of health benefits, both physical and psychological. Here are some of the potential benefits of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight:

  1. Improved Cardiovascular Health

  2. Better Blood Sugar Control

  3. Reduced Joint Pain

  4. Lowered Cancer Risk

  5. Improved Sleep

  6. Enhanced Mental Health

  7. Increased Energy Levels

  8. Improved Fertility

  9. Better Digestive Health

  10. Enhanced Self-Esteem and Confidence

  11. Reduced Risk of Metabolic Syndrome

  12. Longer Life Expectancy

It's important to note that the specific benefits of weight loss can vary among individuals, and the methods used to achieve weight loss should be sustainable and promote overall well-being. Are you ready to work with me to develop a personalized and healthy approach to weight loss?

men and women weight lifting
feet standing on scale

Why work with a weight loss provider?

  1. Expert Guidance:

    • Weight loss providers have expertise in nutrition, exercise, and health, providing you with personalized advice and guidance tailored to your specific needs.

  2. Customized Plans:

    • A weight loss provider can create a personalized plan that takes into account your individual health status, lifestyle, preferences, and goals, ensuring a more effective and sustainable approach.

  3. Medical Monitoring:

    • Healthcare professionals can monitor your health throughout your weight loss journey, ensuring that the process is safe and effective. They can identify and address any potential health concerns.

  4. Education and Awareness:

    • Weight loss providers can educate you about healthy eating habits, portion control, and the importance of regular physical activity, fostering long-term lifestyle changes.

  5. Behavioral Support:

    • Behavioral counseling to address emotional eating, stress management, and other factors that may contribute to weight gain. This support can be crucial for long-term success.

  6. Accountability:

    • Regular check-ins with a weight loss provider provide a level of accountability, helping you stay motivated and on track with your goals.

  7. Motivation and Encouragement:

    • Weight loss providers can offer motivation and encouragement, celebrating your successes and providing support during challenging times.

  8. Access to Resources:

    • Providers often have access to a variety of resources, including meal plans, exercise routines, and educational materials, which can enhance your weight loss journey.

  9. Monitoring Progress:

    • Regular assessments and progress tracking help you and your provider understand what is working well and make adjustments as needed to optimize your weight loss plan.

  10. Safe and Effective Approaches:

    • Weight loss providers can help you avoid fad diets or unsafe practices, guiding you toward evidence-based, healthy approaches to weight loss.

  11. Long-Term Success:

    • Working with a weight loss provider increases the likelihood of achieving and maintaining long-term success, as they focus on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.

  12. Addressing Underlying Health Issues:

    • If there are underlying health conditions contributing to weight gain, a weight loss provider can identify and address these issues as part of your overall plan.

hands on a laptop computer keyboard

Your body is a reflection of your lifestyle. Make every choice a step toward a healthier, happier you.

Weight Loss Medications

There are a number of medications that support weight loss. Your provider will give you recommendations on the most appropriate medication(s) based on your health history.

Medications Include:

  • Semaglutide

  • Tirzepatide

  • Phentermine

  • Metformin

  • Contrave

  • Qysmia

  • Orlistat

Prior Authorizations - Fee $50

As insurance companies recognize Obesity as a chronic condition, some insurances will cover the cost of commercial weight loss medications (coverage may be partial or in full and varies based on individual insurance plans).

If the provider confirms a medication is appropriate for your treatment plan and you would like to obtain the medication using your insurance, the provider will complete a Prior Authorization and submit the prescription to your pharmacy.

Medications Include:

  • Zepbound (tirzepatide)

  • Saxenda (liraglutide)

  • Wegovy (semaglutide)

  • Contrave (bupropion-naltrexone)

  • Qysmia (phentermine-topiramate)

    Note: Please consult the individual pharmaceutical website for each medication listed above for more information.

Lab Work

To adequately assess your current metabolic health lab work is required to be completed within 8 weeks of starting any medication. There are many abnormalities that can be detected by these labs and findings may be contributing to your weight loss struggles.

There are 3 options for completing the required lab work:

  1. If you have labs from a different provider within 8 weeks of your appointment, please submit them to the provider in the patient portal prior to your initial visit.

  2. You can request your PCP or other provider to place an order for the required tests to be completed at a lab of your choice. *It is not guaranteed that insurance will pay for all of your lab work.

  3. Extra Fee: (Starts at $42) If you do not have recent labs or a PCP, we can help! The nurse practitioner can order lab work through Rupa Health. You will receive the lab kit in the mail and a list of locations to have your labs drawn near your zip code (walk in and mobile phlebotomy). The kits take anywhere from 1-6 days to ship out. The results are sent to me within a week of you mailing the tubes back. 

    Note: Some places charge for a phlebotomy draw and you will be responsible for their separate charge. 

Required labs:

  • CBC w/ differential

  • CMP

  • Lipid Panel

  • CRP (c-reactive protein)

  • Fasting Insulin

  • TSH

  • free T4

  • A1c

  • vitamin D (not required but recommended)

  • Semaglutide

    Semaglutide is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, it is a synthetic version of the natural GLP-1 hormone found in the body. GLP-1 is released by the intestines in response to food intake. Semaglutide reduces appetite which can lead to weight loss when taken in conjunction with lifestyle changes including reduced calorie diet and physical activity.

  • Tirzepatide

    Tirzepatide works by activating glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It reduces appetite and food intake, reduces body fat and body weight. Tirzepatide should be taken in conjunction with lifestyle changes including reduced calorie diet and physical activity.

  • Contrave (naltrexone HCL/bupropion HCL)

    CONTRAVE is an FDA-approved weight-loss medication for people who are overweight or struggling with obesity. It is uniquely designed to reduce hunger and control cravings, so you can lose weight and keep it off.

  • Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate)

    Qsymia is an extended-release capsule taken once a day to help control hunger and resist cravings.

Meet Your Provider

Melanie Spotts
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Hi, I’m Nurse Practitioner Melanie Spotts

Melanie is a Certified Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in healthcare.

Melanie is experienced in Primary Care, weight loss medicine, esthetics and clinical trials research. She has a passion for lifestyle medicine, weight loss and esthetics with a goal of helping patients feel their best and maintain their overall health. Melanie believes lifestyle choices of regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining positive mental health create a sense of enjoyment and accomplishment and she works with her patients so they can achieve a healthier and happier life.

Melanie believes that everyone deserves to look and feel their best and her priority for her patients’ is to improve their life-long health using holistic, integrative, and collaborative methods.