Rooted Health
Dr. Matt Altman
You've tried everything: keto, intermittent fasting, calorie counting, Whole30, Paleo. You lose 10 pounds, then gain back 15. Or worse—nothing happens at all despite doing "all the right things."
Here's what most weight loss programs miss: If your hormones are broken, your gut is inflamed, or your metabolism is sluggish—no diet will work long-term.
At Rooted Health Clinic, we address:
• Insulin resistance — your body stores fat instead of burning it
• Thyroid dysfunction — sluggish metabolism
• Cortisol dysregulation — chronic stress = stubborn belly fat
• Gut inflammation — blocks fat burning
• Hormone imbalances — estrogen, testosterone, progesterone all affect weight
• Nutrient deficiencies — sluggish metabolism without key nutrients
We also offer GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) when appropriate—but only as part of a comprehensive metabolic optimization plan, not as a standalone quick fix.
OUR APPROACH: FIX THE METABOLISM, LOSE THE WEIGHT
Step 1: Start With What Works
Low-Carb / Ketogenic Diet — The Foundation
Insulin is the master fat-storage hormone. Lower insulin, burn fat:
• Reduce refined carbs, sugar, processed foods
• Increase healthy fats, protein, vegetables
• Stabilize blood sugar (no crashes, no cravings)
• Optional: therapeutic ketosis for faster results
For many patients, fixing the diet is 80% of the solution.
Intermittent Fasting (If Appropriate)
16:8 fasting lowers insulin, improves insulin sensitivity, promotes fat burning. Not for everyone—we personalize based on your cortisol patterns and lifestyle.
Gut Healing
Gut inflammation blocks weight loss. Bad bacteria promote fat storage:
• Elimination diet (remove gluten, dairy, sugar for 4-6 weeks)
• Anti-inflammatory foods (omega-3s, vegetables, fermented foods)
• Probiotics + prebiotics
• Gut-healing nutrients (L-glutamine, zinc, collagen)
Many patients lose 10-20 pounds just from healing the gut and reducing inflammation.
Stress Management & Sleep
You can't out-diet cortisol. Chronic stress = belly fat storage. Poor sleep = increased hunger hormones.
Targeted Supplementation:
• Berberine (improves insulin sensitivity)
• Alpha-lipoic acid (glucose disposal)
• Chromium (insulin sensitivity)
• Magnesium, Omega-3s, Vitamin D
Step 2: Add GLP-1 Medications If Appropriate
Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide)
These medications mimic GLP-1, a hormone that:
• Reduces appetite and cravings
• Slows gastric emptying (you feel full longer)
• Improves insulin sensitivity
• Promotes weight loss (10-20% body weight over 6-12 months)
We use GLP-1s when:
• You've optimized diet/lifestyle but plateaued
• You have insulin resistance or pre-diabetes
• You have 30+ pounds to lose
• You need metabolic support while building new habits
GLP-1s are tools, not magic. They work best combined with diet, gut healing, and metabolic optimization.
Step 3: Test When Initial Protocols Don't Produce Results
Insulin Resistance: Fasting insulin, glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR
Thyroid: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, antibodies
Cortisol: 4-point salivary cortisol, DHEA-S
Sex Hormones: Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, SHBG
Gut (if needed): GI-MAP, SIBO breath test
Nutrients: Vitamin D, B12, folate, magnesium, zinc, iron
Mitochondrial: Organic Acids Test (OAT)
Testing is optional and only recommended when diet and lifestyle optimization don't produce results.
OUR APPROACH: FIX THE METABOLISM, LOSE THE WEIGHT
FAQ
Do I need to do keto? Not necessarily. Low-carb works for most people. Keto produces faster results for insulin resistance, but we personalize based on your metabolism.
Can I get GLP-1 medications without testing? Sometimes. If you're clearly insulin resistant, we can start GLP-1s. If less clear, we may test first.
How long until I see results? Most patients see changes within 2-4 weeks. Weight loss usually starts within 4-6 weeks. By 3 months, results are significant.
What if I've tried low-carb before and it didn't work? Often means there's an underlying hormone or gut issue blocking results. We find and fix it.
Will I have to stay on GLP-1 forever? Not necessarily. We use GLP-1s to break through plateaus and reset insulin sensitivity. Many patients taper off after 6-12 months.
Do you work with bariatric surgery patients? Yes. We optimize metabolic health before and after surgery.
Can I do this remotely? Yes — telemedicine for Texas residents.