A Kinder, Smarter Way to Lose Weight: GLP-1 Medications with a Holistic Portland Twist

If you’re a woman in Portland (or anywhere in Oregon) and you’ve been curious about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Wegovy—but you want something more thoughtful than a one-size-fits-all approach—this post is for you.

GLP-1 medications have taken the weight loss world by storm—and for good reason. They’ve helped thousands of women finally lose stubborn weight, improve blood sugar, and start feeling like themselves again. But here’s the thing: sustainable weight loss isn't just about the meds. And jumping in too fast with high doses can leave you feeling worse, not better.

As a Portland-based naturopathic doctor, I take a different approach. I use GLP-1s as a tool—not a magic fix—and I help my patients use them wisely, gently, and in combination with a deeper look at what’s actually driving their metabolic struggles.

💊 Slower Titration = Smarter Results

Many providers start GLP-1 medications at standard doses and ramp them up quickly. But that often leads to intense side effects—nausea, fatigue, muscle loss, hair thinning, and that infamous “Ozempic face.”

I don’t do fast and furious. I do smart and steady. In my practice, we titrate slowly and intentionally, so you get the benefits without burning out your body. You should feel supported, not depleted.

🧠 This Is About More Than Weight

GLP-1s can give women the momentum they’ve been needing—but they’re not the endgame. I see them as a chance to hit pause, take a breath, and finally dig into the root causes of why weight loss has been so hard in the first place.

Here’s what we focus on during the process:

• Hormone balancing (hello thyroid, hello estrogen)

• Adrenal support (because cortisol and stress are real players)

• Diet and nutrient support (think protein, minerals, and muscle protection)

• Exercise strategies that prioritize metabolism and muscle preservation

• Inflammation reduction and gut health support

• Protecting bone health (because strong is the new skinny)

  
  

💪 Your Muscles Deserve Love Too

One of the biggest issues I see with aggressive GLP-1 use? Muscle loss. Losing weight without protecting muscle means a slower metabolism, higher risk for injury, and poor long-term results.

In my program, we prioritize protein, resistance training, and micronutrients to preserve lean mass and support healthy aging. You’re not just trying to lose weight—you’re trying to feel strong, confident, and energized.

✨ Let’s Drop the Shame Around Weight Loss Meds

There’s a ton of judgment out there about using medications for weight loss—especially for women. But here’s the truth: If you’ve struggled with your weight, it’s not because you’re lazy or undisciplined. It’s because your body has been out of balance. And we have tools—both natural and pharmaceutical—that can help you heal and move forward.

Using GLP-1s in a mindful, personalized, root-cause-focused way is not a shortcut. It’s a strategy.

🔍 You Deserve a Customized Approach

Every woman’s body is different. So why are we giving the same GLP-1 plan to everyone? In my practice, we create personalized dosing strategies and holistic treatment plans to support your full-body health.

If you’re in Portland or anywhere in Oregon, and you’re ready to try a different way—a gentler, smarter, longer-lasting way—I’d love to help.

✍️ Ready to Learn More?

Book a consultation or reach out to see how a naturopathic, whole-body approach to GLP-1 therapy can help you feel better—for the long haul.