Medical Weight Loss — Root-Cause Approach

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 don't just hand you a meal plan and wish you luck. 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.

This is functional medicine + modern weight loss science. It works because we treat the whole system, not just calories in/calories out.

Our Approach: Fix the Metabolism, Lose the Weight

We start with proven dietary and lifestyle interventions, then test when needed.

Step 1: Start With What Works

Low-Carb / Ketogenic Diet — The Foundation Insulin is the master fat-storage hormone. Lower insulin, burn fat. We guide you through:

• 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 (eat within 8-hour window) 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. We start with:

• Elimination diet (remove gluten, dairy, sugar for 4-6 weeks)

• Anti-inflammatory foods (omega-3s, vegetables, fermented foods)

• Probiotics + prebiotics (restore healthy gut bacteria)

• 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. We optimize:

• Sleep hygiene (7-9 hours, quality sleep)• Stress reduction (adaptogens, breathwork, movement)

• Cortisol timing (regulate circadian rhythm)

Resistance Training Muscle burns calories. More muscle = higher metabolism. We don't prescribe specific workouts, but we strongly encourage strength training 3x/week minimum.

Targeted Supplementation Support metabolism and insulin sensitivity with:

• Berberine (improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation)

• Alpha-lipoic acid (glucose disposal and mitochondrial support)

• Chromium (supports insulin sensitivity)

• Magnesium (essential for hundreds of metabolic reactions)

• Omega-3s (reduce inflammation and improve fat burning)

• Vitamin D (when deficient—affects weight and metabolism)

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 when combined with diet, gut healing, and metabolic optimization. We prescribe them as part of a comprehensive plan.

Step 3: Test When Initial Protocols Don't Produce Results

If you've cleaned up diet, optimized gut health, managed stress, and still aren't losing weight—we test to find what's blocking you.

Insulin Resistance:

• Fasting insulin, fasting glucose, HbA1c, HOMA-IR

• If insulin resistance confirmed: metformin, GLP-1, or berberine

Thyroid Function:

• Comprehensive panel: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, antibodies

• Many people are hypothyroid with "normal" TSH

• Treatment: thyroid medication (T4, T3, or combination)

Cortisol Patterns:

• 4-point salivary cortisol (morning, noon, evening, night)

• DHEA-S (adrenal reserve)

• If cortisol dysregulated: adaptogens, stress management, sleep optimization

Sex Hormones:

• Women: Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, SHBG

• Men: Total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG

• Treatment: BHRT pellets, DIM (estrogen metabolism), liver support

Gut Testing (if needed):

• Comprehensive stool test (GI-MAP) — dysbiosis, infections, inflammation

• SIBO breath test — if bloating, constipation• If gut issues confirmed: targeted antimicrobials, probiotics, gut healing

Nutrient Testing:

• Vitamin D, B12, folate, magnesium, zinc, iron

• Comprehensive metabolic panel

Mitochondrial Function:

• Organic Acids Test (OAT) — shows metabolic efficiency, nutrient deficiencies

Testing is optional and only recommended when diet and lifestyle optimization don't produce results. Many patients lose significant weight without testing.

What to Expect

First Visit (60-90 minutes)

We'll review your weight loss history: what you've tried, what worked, what didn't. We'll discuss diet, sleep, stress, gut health, hormones. We'll create a personalized plan and you'll leave with clear action steps.

Follow-Up Care

We see you regularly (every 2-4 weeks initially) to monitor progress and adjust protocols. Weight loss is not linear—we optimize as you go. Most patients see consistent results within 2-3 months.

Realistic Expectations

• With diet + lifestyle optimization: 1-2 pounds/week sustainable loss

• With GLP-1 medications added: 10-20% body weight over 6-12 months

• With hormone optimization: Easier to build muscle, burn fat, maintain results

This isn't a 30-day crash diet. This is metabolic healing that produces lasting results.

Membership Model

We don't accept insurance because insurance doesn't pay for the time weight loss patients need. Our Direct Primary Care membership gives you:

• Unlimited office visits — as often as needed

• Text/email access to Dr. Altman — questions don't wait for appointments

• Wholesale supplements — significant savings

• Affordable labs — through LabCorp direct billing

• GLP-1 prescriptions — if clinically appropriate

Membership Pricing:

• Pediatric (0-17): $185/month

• Adult (18-64): $245/month

• Senior (65+): $225/month

Testing, GLP-1 medications, and specialty treatments are additional, but you'll never be surprised—we discuss costs upfront.

Success Stories

"I lost 45 pounds and kept it off." "I had tried every diet. Nothing worked. Dr. Altman found insulin resistance and hypothyroidism that my previous doctor missed. He put me on a low-carb diet, optimized my thyroid, and started me on Ozempic. The weight came off and I feel better than I have in 10 years." — S.T., Temple, TX

"Finally, someone who gets it." "I was eating 1,200 calories and exercising 5 days a week—nothing. Dr. Altman explained cortisol dysregulation and gut inflammation. We fixed my sleep, healed my gut, and I lost 30 pounds without starving myself." — R.G., Salado, TX"My metabolism works again." "I thought my metabolism was just 'broken.' Turns out I had severe insulin resistance. Dr. Altman put me on metformin, berberine, and a ketogenic diet. I'm down 35 pounds and my energy is incredible." — L.M., Killeen, TX

FAQ

Do I need to do keto? Not necessarily. Low-carb works for most people. Ketogenic diet produces faster results for insulin resistance, but it's not required for everyone. We personalize based on your metabolism.

Can I get GLP-1 medications without testing? Sometimes. If you're clearly insulin resistant (belly fat, sugar cravings, weight gain despite diet/exercise), we can start GLP-1s. If your case is less clear, we may test first.

How long until I see results? Most patients see changes within 2-4 weeks (reduced cravings, better energy, clothes fitting better). 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? That often means there's an underlying hormone or gut issue blocking results. We find and fix it. Also, "low-carb" means different things—we dial in what works for your metabolism.

Will I have to stay on GLP-1 forever? Not necessarily. We use GLP-1s as a tool to break through plateaus and reset insulin sensitivity. Many patients taper off after 6-12 months once metabolic health is restored. Some stay on long-term for maintenance.

Do you work with bariatric surgery patients? Yes. We optimize metabolic health before and after surgery to improve outcomes and prevent regain.

Can I do this remotely? Yes, we offer telemedicine for Texas residents. Weight loss care works well via video visits.

Will my insurance cover this? We don't accept insurance, but you can use HSA/FSA funds for membership and services. Our membership model exists so we can spend the time you need—insurance doesn't pay for comprehensive weight loss care.

Ready to Lose Weight and Keep It Off?

You don't have to live in a body that doesn't feel like yours. Weight loss is achievable when you fix the root cause.

Schedule Your Consultation Call or text: 254-780-0023 Email: hello@elitefamilycare.sprucecare.com

Location: Rooted Health Clinic 1401 N Stagecoach Rd Salado, TX 76571

We serve patients in Salado, Temple, Killeen, Belton, Georgetown, Waco, and surrounding Central Texas communities.

This is root-cause weight loss. This is how you get lasting results.