Medical weight loss at Awaken Face and Body Wellness combines personalized, physician-led programs with evidence-based treatments to help you achieve sustainable health and wellness.
A Science-Backed Approach to Weight Loss
Why Choose Awaken Face and Body Wellness for Medical Weight Loss?
Losing weight is more than just cutting calories—it’s about finding a sustainable, medically guided solution that works for your body. At Awaken Face and Body Wellness, we take a comprehensive, physician-led approach to weight loss, combining medications including GLP-1 and GLP1/GIP combination therapies, customized nutrition and fitness plans, metabolic testing, and lifestyle coaching to help you lose weight and keep it off. You will be seen and evaluated by Erica Yalavarthi M.D., who is double board-certified in Family Practice and Obesity Medicine. She will review all of your testing and customize a treatment plan for you. Your visits will not be rushed. You will have time to discuss your personal goals, medical history, and previous attempts at weight loss to develop a plan that works for you.
Whether you're struggling with stubborn weight, metabolic resistance, or long-term weight maintenance, the medical weight loss St. Louis patients turn to at Awaken combines GLP-1 therapy, metabolic testing, and lifestyle coaching to optimize your metabolism and create lasting changes.
Medical Weight Loss at a Glance
Advanced Medical Weight Loss Treatments in St. Louis
- Medication Guided – GLP-1 and GLP1/GIP treatments and other physician-recommended medication options.
- Metabolic Testing & Personalized Plans – Includes VO2 max, resting metabolic rate (RMR), body composition analysis and advanced lab testing.
- Nutritional Counseling & Lifestyle Coaching – A complete strategy for long-term success.
- Hormone & Biomarker Optimization – Identifying and treating metabolic imbalances for better weight control.
- Ongoing Support & Maintenance – Helping you sustain your results for life.
Semaglutide (GLP-1 Therapy)
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural hormone responsible for satiety and blood sugar control. It acts on:
• The brain - reduces hunger
• The stomach - slows emptying
• The pancreas - improves insulin response
Clinical effects include significant appetite suppression, reduced cravings, improved glycemic control, and increased fat loss. Expected weight loss: 10–15% of body weight. Proper titration minimizes side effects such as temporary nausea and mild GI symptoms.
Tirzepatide (Dual GIP + GLP-1 Therapy)
Tirzepatide activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, creating a synergistic metabolic effect with:
• Greater appetite suppression
• Enhanced insulin sensitivity
• Improved fat metabolism
Clinical outcomes show 15–22% body weight loss in many patients, with strong metabolic improvement. Ideal for patients who plateau on semaglutide or need more aggressive results.
Retatrutide (Triple Agonist Therapy)
Retatrutide targets GLP-1, GIP, and Glucagon receptors. Unlike other therapies, it increases energy expenditure - not just reduces intake - resulting in:
• Increased calorie burn
• Enhanced fat oxidation
• Advanced metabolic reset
Best for high-resistance weight loss cases and patients seeking maximal transformation.
Medication Comparison
Medication
Semaglutide
Tirzepatide
Retatrutide
Mechanism
GLP-1
GLP-1 + GIP
GLP-1 + GIP + Glucagon
Weight Loss
10-15%
15-22%
20%+
Best For
First-line
Stronger results
Advanced cases
The Biology of Weight Gain
Insulin Resistance - The Root of Fat Storage
Insulin is a master regulator of metabolism. When insulin is elevated chronically:
• Fat storage increases
• Lipolysis (fat burning) decreases
• Hunger increases
This creates a metabolic state where your body cannot efficiently access stored fat - even in a calorie deficit.
Leptin Resistance & the Set Point Theory
Leptin is your body's "fullness" hormone. When functioning properly, it signals satiety and regulates energy balance. But in many patients, the brain becomes resistant to leptin, leading to:
• Constant hunger
• Reduced energy expenditure
• Weight regain after dieting
Your body essentially defends a higher weight set point.
Cortisol, Stress, and Abdominal Fat
Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol, causing:
• Increased abdominal fat storage
• Higher blood sugar
• Disrupted sleep
Stress alone can block weight loss - even with a perfect diet.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones shape body composition. Key disruptions include:
• Estrogen changes leading to fat redistribution
• Low testosterone causing decreased muscle mass
• Thyroid dysfunction slowing metabolism
This is why menopause and andropause patients often feel "stuck."
Metabolic Adaptation
Repeated dieting causes:
• Lower resting metabolic rate (RMR)
• Increased efficiency in storing fat
• Resistance to further weight loss
Your body adapts to survive - not to get lean.
Awaken Your Metabolism Transform Your Health
What Is Medical Weight Loss?
Our St. Louis medical weight loss treatment is a science-driven, physician-guided approach that combines safe, effective medications, lifestyle changes, and advanced health analysis to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Unlike fad diets or one-size-fits-all programs, our personalized approach ensures that your plan is tailored to your unique metabolism, lifestyle, and goals.
At Awaken Face and Body Wellness, we utilize:
- Medically Guided Weight Loss – Helps regulate hunger hormones, control cravings, and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Metabolic Testing & Body Composition Analysis – Understanding how your body burns energy for a truly customized plan.
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Learn what foods make your blood sugar spike and how to eat correctly to avoid this.
- Personalized Nutrition & Lifestyle Plans – Designed to enhance metabolism, reduce inflammation, and optimize health.
- Hormone & Biomarker Optimization – Addressing imbalances that may be hindering your weight loss.
We serve patients across the St. Louis metro area including:
- Creve Coeur
- Chesterfield
- Ladue
- Town and Country
- Des Peres
Hormone Optimization & Weight Loss
Hormonal imbalance is often the hidden barrier. Correcting hormones improves fat loss, increases energy, and restores metabolic function. Especially critical for menopause, perimenopause, and low testosterone.
A Personalized Path to Sustainable Results
Your Treatment Plan
Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including advanced testing to assess your metabolism, body composition, fitness level, hormone levels, other biomarkers and overall health. Using these insights, our physician, Erica Yalavarthi, M.D. will craft a custom plan tailored to help you lose weight effectively and sustainably. Incorporating methods like prescription weight loss medications to regulate appetite and metabolism and personalized nutritional and lifestyle coaching to build healthier habits, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our goal is not only to help you lose weight but also to optimize your overall health and maintain your results long-term. Through tools like metabolic testing, body composition, continuous glucose monitoring, and VO2 max assessments, we fine-tune your program for maximum effectiveness. Once you reach your goal weight, we focus on building a sustainable maintenance strategy, ensuring you feel confident in keeping the results you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
A Smarter Approach to Weight Loss
Am I a candidate for weight loss medicine?
Medical weight loss is ideal for those who:
- Struggle with stubborn weight that won’t budge despite diet and exercise.
- Want a safe, effective, and physician-guided approach to weight loss.
- Experience hormonal imbalances or metabolic resistance that make weight loss difficult.
- Need direction on nutrition, exercise, and accountability.
- Need long-term support to maintain a healthy weight after losing it.
- Have been diagnosed with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome.
You may not be a candidate if you:
- Are pregnant or nursing (consultation required).
- Have certain medical conditions that contraindicate weight loss medications. In this case, we can still develop a lifestyle plan for you.
Optimize Your Health From the Inside Out
Medical Weight Loss Results
Most patients start to see results within a few weeks, with steady, sustainable weight loss over time.
- First Few Weeks – Improved energy, better digestion, and reduced cravings.
- 1–3 Months – Noticeable weight loss, improved metabolic function.
- 6 Months & Beyond – Long-term weight management, healthier body composition.
Unlike crash diets, our approach to weight loss creates lasting change.
More Than Weight Loss
A Full-Body Wellness Approach
At Awaken Face and Body Wellness, we believe in a holistic approach to weight management. In addition to treatments to promote healthy weight loss, you will have access to a broad range of approaches to enhance your overall quality of life.
- Nutrition & Weight Loss – Personalized meal plans, metabolic testing, and lifestyle coaching.
- Hormone Therapy – Addressing imbalances that may be affecting weight and overall well-being.
- Sexual Wellness – Optimizing hormonal and physical health for enhanced confidence and vitality.
- Body Composition Analysis – Understanding fat-to-muscle ratio for a tailored weight loss plan. Identifies those at risk for developing metabolic diseases.
- Biomarker Testing – Identifying personalized health markers for precision medicine.
- Cancer Screening – Preventative testing for early detection and peace of mind.
- Resting Metabolic Rate & VO2 Max Analysis – Measuring how your body burns energy and optimizing performance.
Book your consultation today and start your journey to lasting weight loss!
Medical Weight Loss FAQs
How much weight can I lose?
Results vary based on individual metabolism, adherence to the program, and lifestyle factors, but most patients experience consistent, sustainable weight loss over time. Most patients lose 10-20% of body weight, with some exceeding that.
How do medications help with weight loss?
GLP-1 and GLP1/GIP medications help regulate hunger hormones, control appetite, and stabilize blood sugar levels for effective weight loss. We also use other medications tailored to your personal history such as phentermine, Phentermine/Topiramate, Bupropion/Naltrexone and others.
Do I have to take medication?
Not necessarily. While medications can enhance results, during treatment for medical weight loss St. Louis patients should also expect lifestyle, nutritional, and metabolic optimization strategies for those who prefer a non-medicated approach.
How do I keep the weight off after losing it?
Our program focuses on sustainable changes, metabolic optimization, and long-term coaching to help you maintain results for life.
Do I lose muscle?
Not with proper care. We protect muscle with adequate protein intake, resistance training, and metabolic support.
Can I drink alcohol?
Moderation is key. Alcohol can slow fat loss.
What if nothing has worked before?
That is exactly who this program is for.
Are these medications safe?
Yes, when prescribed and monitored by a physician.
Do I need to stay on medication forever?
No. We build long-term strategies for independence.