Weight Gain and Metabolic Slowdown

Many patients have heard that weight loss is only about calories. At Innovative Health, we focus on the whole body using Functional Medicine, addressing all system imbalances that can prevent weight loss. We review lifestyle, biology, and environment to guide success.

Factors Contributing to Weight Gain

• Nutrition patterns: regular consumption of ultra-processed foods that alter hunger and fullness cues.
• Low levels of daily physical activity and prolonged sedentary behaviors.
• Chronic stress increases fat storage.
• Inadequate or poor quality of sleep
• Hormonal regulation, including sex hormones, insulin, and thyroid
• Disruptions in the gut biome may increase inflammation and contribute to weight gain.
• Environmental chemicals in personal care, food, paint, or lawn products
• Genetic predisposition that impacts how the body stores and uses energy. At Innovative Health, our plans promote lasting weight loss without long-term prescription drugs. We address the underlying causes of weight gain when diets fail.

Our Approach

Our approach integrates several key strategies to address barriers to weight loss:

• Balance Sex and Thyroid Hormones
• Stabilize inflammation and blood sugar.
• Detoxify the Body
• Provide Individualized Nutritional Weight Loss Plans with Mobile Tracking
• Target Natural Supplementation to Support Weight Loss
• Provide Healthy Exercise Plans with Online Tutorials
• Delivery of Trained Medical Supervision for Prescriptions

Regulate Stress

Stress hormones, such as cortisol, influence many factors related to weight management, including the accumulation of belly fat.

Detoxify the Body to Lose Weight

Our bodies store toxins and heavy metals in fat. The more toxins you have, the more fat your body needs to store them. Toxins accumulate in our bodies over a lifetime. At Innovative Health, we use advanced testing to spot unhealthy toxic burdens and develop plans to eliminate them so you can lose weight.

Naturally Detoxifying the Body

We are constantly exposed to toxins from everyday products and foods. Modern food processing and the use of chemicals reduce nutritional value and increase this toxic load. Recognizing that these toxins can contribute to weight gain, we address them in your plan.

Optimize Digestive Health

• Current research shows an unhealthy gut can drive weight gain. At Innovative Health, we restore digestive balance to aid weight loss. Studies support that select probiotics—Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia—assist weight loss.

Our goal is to optimize detoxification, boost nutrient uptake, and support the gut’s own hormone production by balancing the digestive system.

Natural, Prescription, and Compounds that Work

Many natural plants and extracts can help with weight loss. Natural options include certain fibers such as psyllium and guar gum. Caffeine supports thermogenesis and helps suppress appetite. Apple cider vinegar can slow gastric emptying and improve blood sugar after meals.

Humulus lupulus is a bitter hops extract and a natural appetite regulator. It targets bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) in the gut. This naturally decreases cravings and appetite. It also slows gastric emptying and lowers post-meal glucose levels—effects seen with some prescription options. You can use it with other natural choices, such as berberine, or as part of a program that uses prescription medications.

Berberine is a natural GLP-1 Receptor Agonist that modifies blood sugar with minimal side effects. Berberine, an alkaloid in barberry, goldenseal, Oregon grape, and Chinese goldthread, improves insulin sensitivity, reduces appetite, and lowers visceral fat. Many patients have genetic factors that make them suitable candidates for this therapy.

Prescription Options

Prescription and Compounded GLP-1, GIP, and other Polypeptides

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide) and GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) are hormones that the gut releases after eating. They play an important role in metabolism and appetite regulation by:

• Helping regulate blood sugar
• Curb appetite by signaling fullness to the brain.
• Slowing the movement of food through the digestive tract
• Polypeptides target glucagon for fat loss.
• Some GLP-1/GIP Analogs may be used to treat diabetes.

These Peptides are available by prescription or as a compound.

Compounds often include peptides, B12, and amino acids to support energy and weight loss.

At Innovative Health LLC, we assess whether prescription or compounded GLP-1 or GIP therapies fit your needs and integrate them into a tightly managed plan for slow, safe weight loss and long-term maintenance.

Phentermine/topiramate combines a stimulant and an anticonvulsant to suppress appetite.

Bupropion/naltrexone targets reward pathways to suppress appetite.

Stacking Peptides

Peptides such as Body Protection Compound-157, MOTS-C, KPV, Ipamorelin, and others can be layered to support body systems. At Innovative Health, we utilize these strategies as indicated and available. We only use FDA-approved peptides in our plans.