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Functional Approach to Weight Loss

Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals

We’re excited to bring you a fully virtual, medically supervised weight loss program.

At Alive and Well, we leverage in-depth testing, health coaching, online education modules & provider prescribed weight loss medications to support healthy, sustainable weight loss.

Alive and Well’s Medical Weight Loss Programs

12 - Week Virtual Semaglutide Program (New Patients)

12 - Week Virtual Tirzepatide Program (New Patients)

12 Week Extension Program - Semaglutide

For Returning Patients

12 Week Extension Program - Tirzepatide

For Returning Patients

Discounted Add Ons For Any Program

12 Week Extension Programs (Returning Patients)

What Makes This Program Unique?

Jump Start Your Weight Loss Journey

All patients must be between the ages of 21-64 and have a BMI of 27 or greater. Before you book your Virtual Provider Appointment, please verify that you meet the age and BMI meets the requirement of your desired program. 

*If you do not reach BMI qualifications, check out our Functional Medicine Clinic for other weight loss options.

 

Once you have requested your appointment, you will receive an email inviting you to join the Alive + Well Clinic patient portal. Please follow the link in that email to set up your patient portal and complete the set up tasks.

You must add your payment information to the “Invoices & Payments” tab in the patient portal before your appointment can be accepted and scheduled.  If this is not completed within 24 hours of requesting the appointment, our staff will contact you to collect payment information.

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Once your appointment has been accepted and scheduled, a lab requisition will be added to your portal in the “Labs & Documents” tab. The lab requisition will also be electronically sent to Quest Diagnostics.

Lab work MUST be completed 5 days prior to your appointment. If you fail to complete your lab work on time, your appointment will need to be cancelled and rescheduled, which may result in a cancellation fee.

As a reminder, you must have a payment method on file and your appointment paid for in order to move to this step.

*NOTE: You must fast (no food or drinks besides water) for at least 8 hours prior to your lab appointment.

 

For Patients Outside of Austin:

Please fill out all forms found in the “Questionnaires” tab of your patient portal 48 hours prior to your Provider Appointment.

Consent forms must be submitted 72 hours before your appointment. If you fail to submit the forms on time, your appointment will need to be cancelled and rescheduled, which may result in a cancellation fee. 

If you have any questions, please email us at clinic@aliveandwell.health.

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Our Providers

Meg McElroy, PA-C

Board-Certified Physician Assistant

Daniel Chege, FNP

Functional nurse practitioner

Jenny Cohodes

Certified Health Coach

FAQs

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. By mimicking Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the body, semaglutide can increase insulin secretion and slow down gastric emptying—or, how fast your stomach empties food. This can suppress your appetite so you feel fuller longer, helping you eat less and lose weight in the process. It also helps improve insulin resistance which is a part of metabolic syndrome. This can happen over time due to inflammation, toxins and dysfunction. It is the key issue for many struggling with weight gain and resistant weight loss.

Tirzepatide belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist (GIPRA). Tirzepatide is designed to mimic the actions of the natural GLP-1 and GIP hormones in the body, which help regulate blood sugar levels. The unique aspect of Tirzepatide is that it combines the actions of both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, leading to more effective blood sugar control and potentially offering additional benefits such as weight loss. By activating these receptors, Tirzepatide promotes insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar), slows down gastric emptying, and promotes satiety, which can help in managing diabetes and body weight. Studies have shown this dual action peptide has superior hyperglycemia control and reductions in Body Mass Index (BMI) to GLP-1 agonists (Semaglutide).

Weight loss success varies greatly from patient to patient as there are many factors involved. We are seeing an approximate 5-10% weight loss in most patients.

 Results will vary by patient. You may begin to experience some effects early on, such as a smaller appetite. Full effects take up to 8 weeks and potentially longer. Dietary and lifestyle changes also create a greater impact on your results.

If you are not seeing results while taking semaglutide or tirzepatide, there may be other underlying causes preventing your weight loss. Your Medical Provider may refer you to the Functional Medicine Clinic for more testing and evaluation.

Once you’ve booked your appointment, you will receive an email that confirms your appointment and reviews next steps. Please access your Patient Portal and fill out all forms and medical questionnaires at least 48 hours (2 business days) prior to your appointment. Your providers spend time reviewing your information and prepare for your appointment ahead of time. Any medical records, specifically those within the last year, should be uploaded to your portal or faxed to our office (737) 225-8927. Please make sure to include any medications or supplements you are currently taking, as well as, any allergies to medications.

We do not accept insurance for the medical weight loss program.

We require at least 48 hours (2 business days) notice for all canceled or rescheduled appointments. There is a fee associated with no shows, cancelations or rescheduled appointments made within 48 hours of your original appointment time.

All programs are non-refundable.

The medical weight loss program is a fully virtual program! We do not see patients in person for this specific program.

Megan (Meg) McElroy PA-C

Board-Certified Physician Assistant

Megan (Meg) McElroy is a board-certified Physician Assistant with more than a decade of experience in functional and integrative medicine. She began her journey in functional medicine as a patient with chronic health issues. She believes there are 2 general approaches to the practice of functional medicine: lots of testing/treatments all at once (i.e. the most expensive approach), and the more methodical approach (the approach she currently utilizes).  

‘’After over 12 years of experience in Functional Medicine, I have learned that simple steps are often most effective at improving health. We are intended to thrive, but we don’t have to have “perfect,” strict diets and a long list of supplements to do so! There is so much information at our fingertips—I see my role as being able to filter out the “noise” and simplify the overwhelm. It may take time and patience, but I never give up on finding ways to help my patients feel better.”

Clinical expertise: Thyroid health, autoimmune conditions, gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, health optimization and longevity, fertility and hormone optimization

Daniel Chege, FNP

Family Nurse Practitioner

Daniel Chege, a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, brings a wealth of experience in integrative medicine to his practice. With a background in computer and mechanical engineering, his journey into healthcare was sparked by a passion for finding lasting solutions to health challenges. Originally from Kenya, Daniel pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Mountain State University in West Virginia upon relocating to the USA in 2008.

After gaining invaluable experience in critical care within the surgical ICU, Daniel continued his education, earning a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio in 2013. He further solidified his expertise by obtaining certification through the ANCC.

During his tenure at UPMC Pinnacle, where he initially worked in urgent care before transitioning to family practice, Daniel developed a keen interest in integrative approaches to medicine. He has dedicated himself to integrative medicine, focusing on personalized treatment plans that incorporate  nutraceuticals, essential oils, peptides and IV therapies. His gentle bedside manner coupled with his high success rates in managing hormones, Thyroid dysfunction, PCOS and adrenal fatigue, explain his large and loyal female patient base.

 

Jenny Cohodes

Health Coach

Jenny Cohodes, resides in Austin, Texas, where she serves as a Certified Health and Nutrition Coach. Her personal experiences with food sensitivities, mold, Lyme, EBV, and more have ignited a passion within her to guide others through similar challenges on their wellness paths. Beyond aiding those dealing with chronic illness, Jenny is also passionate about educating individuals on optimizing their health using the latest holistic methods available.
 
Originally trained as an elementary teacher at the University of Texas at Austin, Jenny’s career path took an unexpected turn when she decided to leave teaching to pursue her newfound passion for nutrition and holistic health. Through countless hours of research, experimentation, and self-education, Jenny honed her culinary skills and developed a keen understanding of the connection between diet and well-being.
 
Driven by her desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, Jenny furthered her education by obtaining certification in health and nutrition coaching from Precision Nutrition and began leading groups of people through health coaching containers to help them eat, move, and live better lives.    Beyond mere dietary guidance, Jenny loves delving into topics such as nervous system regulation, self-care practices, and cultivating a holistic approach to wellness.
 
However, Jenny’s journey took an unexpected turn in 2022 when she discovered her own health challenges. Living in a mold-infested environment, she experienced a myriad of symptoms, including the reactivation of a dormant Lyme disease and EBV.  Undeterred by adversity, Jenny embarked on a journey of healing, immersing herself in research and adopting detoxification practices to support her body’s recovery.
 
Today, Jenny approaches her work with empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of the profound impact that nutrition and lifestyle choices can have on overall well-being. Outside of her professional sphere, she immerses herself in cooking, developing new recipes, hiking, and exploring new destinations alongside her husband, Dave, and their three children: Madison, Max, and Maverick.
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(214) 919-0444

Cindy Nilson DOM, LAc

Acupuncturist