Hours of Operation: Mon – Thu: 8AM – 6PM | Fri: 8AM – 4PM | Sat & Sun: Closed
Weight Care Clinic
with a lifestyle twist for a lifelong change!When extra support is needed to overcome biological, psychological, and environmental barriers to weight loss.
We help you lose weight & keep it off with a plan designed around YOU
You’re ready to lose weight. There are a million ways. Maybe you’ve tried them all. Maybe you don’t know which one is right for you. Why choose Zoe Primary Care? Because it’s all about YOU. While you might lose weight for a while on a diet, you don’t keep it off because it doesn’t fit your life. We help you lose weight and keep it off with a plan designed around YOU – your body’s needs, your preferences, your schedule, your family, and your challenges.
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What Are GLP-1s?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists
GLP-1s historically have been used to treat type 2 diabetes. Over the last decade, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain injectable GLP-1s for weight loss/management. Pharmaceutical manufacturers market these drugs under different brand names based on differences in the dosages and the conditions they officially treat.
| Manufacturer | Active Ingredient | Brand Name (Type 2 Diabetes) | Brand Name (Weight Loss/Management) |
| Novo Nordisk | Liraglutide | Victoza® | Saxenda® |
| Novo Nordisk | Semaglutide | Ozempic® | Wegovy® |
| Lilly | Tirzepatide | Mounjaro® | Zepbound® |
Note: Side effects for GLP-1s may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
While clinical trials have shown that patients on GLP-1s can lose 15% or more of their initial body weight, most of the weight is likely to be regained if patients stop taking these medications without having made sustainable lifestyle changes. Zoe Primary Care can help patients not only lose weight but also keep it off to avoid relying on GLP-1s as a “forever medication” to manage their weight.
Meet the Doctor
SHRUTHI CHANDRASHEKHAR, MD
Dr. Shruthi is triple board-certified in Obesity Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Internal Medicine. Only doctors who have undergone additional training and proven a high-level of expertise in a specialty area are eligible to become board-certified. Dr. Shruthi is among the 4% of board-certified physicians who are certified in three or more specialty areas. She understands the challenges that patients face with chronic conditions and in addition to helping patients make sustainable lifestyle adjustments, she can prescribe FDA-approved weight loss medications when indicated to help certain patients achieve their goals.
Alternatives to GLP-1s
Weight loss medications are designed to help individuals manage their weight when diet and exercise alone are insufficient. They work by suppressing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, or reducing the absorption of fat in the body. Some common medications (and their common side effects) include:
- Orlistat (Xenical®, Alli®): It works by blocking the absorption of fat in the intestine, leading to weight loss. Side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort and oily spotting.
- Phentermine and topiramate (Qsymia®): This combination medication works to suppress appetite and make people feel full. Side effects can include increased heart rate, insomnia, and tingling sensations.
- Bupropion and naltrexone (Contrave®): This combination medication works on the brain’s appetite control centers to reduce food cravings and increase metabolism. Side effects may include nausea, constipation, and headaches.
It’s important to note that all of these medications are typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management plan, which includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and behavioral changes. They are not a quick fix and should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication for obesity.
What To Expect
Intake Appointment
We begin with a comprehensive review of your medical history and a physical examination. Laboratory tests (bloodwork), bioelectrical impedance analyses (using an InBody device), and EKGs (if needed) are ordered. Medications will NOT be prescribed during this appointment.
1st Follow-Up
This is typically scheduled 2 weeks after your intake appointment. During this visit, we interpret your test results and review them with you. Potential lifestyle changes are discussed and, if indicated, medication options are presented alongside their potential risks and side effects.
Monthly Follow-Ups
In-person appointments are required for at least the first 3 months (tele-health visits are possible thereafter). We will monitor your vital signs, make adjustments to your medication (as needed), and support your lifestyle changes to maximize the benefits you gain over the long term.
Why It Works.
Not all weight loss is equal. Restriction-based weight loss shocks the body, negatively impacting health, mood, and energy—usually resulting in rebound weight gain. Restriction is the #1 cause of binge eating and emotional eating disorders. Food is neither good nor bad; learn to enjoy food again.
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Not just for adults! For kids, teens, and their families!
Early Interventions for a Lifetime of Wellness
At Zoe Primary Care, we help prevent, manage, and reverse the health complications associated with childhood obesity through progressive treatment stages, as needed. We empower family members and use scientifically proven behavioral and lifestyle interventions to treat children and adolescents between the ages of 6-18 who have a BMI equal to or greater than the 85th percentile.
Meet The NP
Erin Sengel, FNP-BC
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Erin is a board-certified NP with a subspecialty in lifestyle medicine who is also an experienced lifestyle coach and fitness instructor. She provides customized care with compassion and respect that addresses physical as well as mental well-being.
How It Works
Stage 1
Prevention and reversal efforts are focused on education and the support of family-led lifestyle changes.
Stage 2 (If Needed)
Weight is managed through planned, sustainable meals and provider-directed physical activity. Consultations with a nutritionist, mental health therapist, and/or yoga therapist are also available.
Stage 3 (If Needed)
More structured, multidisciplinary lifestyle interventions are prescribed for maximum results. If medically indicated, we can also refer eligible adolescents to specialists who may offer certain weight-loss medications, bariatric surgery, etc.
