You have tried the diets, counted the calories, and committed to exercise routines, but the scale refuses to budge. This frustrating experience affects millions of people, particularly women in perimenopause and menopause and men experiencing declining testosterone levels. The reality is that successful weight management involves far more than willpower and calorie restriction. The human body is designed to maintain balance, so when calorie intake drops sharply or activity spikes, your metabolism can actually slow to conserve energy. Hormonal imbalances compound the problem. They can increase cravings for sugary and high-carb foods and cause your body to store fat more readily, especially around the midsection.
Thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, cortisol imbalances, and sex hormone deficiencies all play crucial roles in weight regulation, which is why many people experience repeated cycles of losing and regaining weight despite consistent effort. Medical weight loss acknowledges these complex interconnections and provides a comprehensive approach that addresses the biological factors working against your goals. At our Austin and San Antonio clinics, we look beyond calorie counting to find what is actually slowing your metabolism.
Our medical weight loss program begins with extensive laboratory testing to identify hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic dysfunctions that may be contributing to weight gain or preventing weight loss. Because hormones regulate appetite, fat storage, and energy production, even small shifts in thyroid hormones, insulin, cortisol, testosterone, or estrogen can make weight harder to manage. Dr. Zarzuela and our nurse practitioners, Sidnee Mitchell, FNP-C, and Michelle Gray, N.P., review your complete health history, current symptoms, and weight loss challenges to create a personalized treatment plan. This may include bio-identical hormone replacement therapy to restore optimal hormone levels, thyroid optimization, nutritional supplementation, and targeted medications when appropriate.
We focus on sustainable lifestyle modifications rather than restrictive diets, helping you develop eating patterns and movement routines you can maintain long-term. Throughout your journey at either our Austin or San Antonio location, we provide ongoing monitoring through follow-up appointments and lab work to adjust your treatment plan as your body responds and your needs evolve.
Women experiencing unexplained weight gain during perimenopause or menopause, or men noticing increased belly fat and reduced energy linked to declining testosterone.
Patients dealing with fatigue, mood changes, sleep disruption, and weight concerns that may be interconnected through the same hormonal pathways.
Your medical weight loss journey at Hormone Wellness Centers of Texas is designed to be thorough, personalized, and sustainable. We believe in taking the time necessary to understand your unique situation and develop an effective treatment strategy.
Since 2011, our provider team, led by Medical Director Dr. Khym B. Zarzuela, has helped patients across Austin and San Antonio achieve sustainable weight loss by addressing hormonal imbalances and metabolic dysfunction rather than symptoms alone. As an AARM Practitioner, Dr. Zarzuela brings specialized training in age management and hormone optimization to weight loss treatment. Our approach differs from typical weight loss clinics because we treat the whole patient. We use comprehensive lab testing to identify the specific factors affecting your metabolism and weight, then create personalized treatment plans using bio-identical hormones, nutritional support, and lifestyle modifications.
Our patients appreciate our anti-pharmaceutical-dependence philosophy, seeking natural solutions that support your body’s optimal function rather than masking symptoms with medications. With convenient locations in Austin and San Antonio, we provide accessible, physician-supervised care throughout your weight loss journey.
A: Medical weight loss is a physician-supervised approach that addresses the underlying hormonal and metabolic factors that can prevent successful weight management. Unlike traditional diet programs, medical weight loss involves comprehensive lab testing to identify issues like thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, and hormone imbalances that affect metabolism and fat storage. Treatment plans are personalized based on these findings and may include hormone optimization, nutritional support, and targeted medications when appropriate.
A: Good candidates include individuals who have struggled with weight loss despite following healthy eating plans and exercise routines, especially those experiencing hormonal changes like perimenopause, menopause, or low testosterone. Patients with suspected metabolic issues, unexplained fatigue, or multiple symptoms that may be hormone-related often benefit from this comprehensive approach. A thorough evaluation with lab testing helps determine if underlying imbalances are contributing to weight challenges.
A: Costs vary based on your personalized treatment plan and the specific therapies recommended. Most medical weight loss services are typically not covered by insurance, and patients pay out of pocket. We provide detailed pricing information during your consultation based on your individual needs and treatment recommendations.
A: No referral is necessary to begin medical weight loss treatment at Hormone Wellness Centers of Texas. You can schedule directly with our office for a comprehensive consultation and evaluation.
A: Our comprehensive evaluation typically includes hormone panels, thyroid function tests, metabolic markers, insulin levels, and nutrient assessments. The specific tests recommended will be tailored to your symptoms and health history during your consultation.
A: Yes, medical weight loss specifically addresses the hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause that contribute to weight gain, particularly around the midsection. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy combined with metabolic support can help restore balance and improve your body’s ability to manage weight effectively.
A: Follow-up schedules are personalized based on your treatment plan and progress. Most patients have check-ins every 4-6 weeks initially, with the frequency adjusting as treatment stabilizes. Regular monitoring ensures your plan remains effective and allows for adjustments as your body responds.
A: Medical weight loss under physician supervision is designed to be safe and appropriate for your individual health status. Dr. Zarzuela and our team review your complete medical history and current conditions to ensure treatments are safe and beneficial for your specific situation.
A: Medical weight loss addresses the biological factors that can sabotage traditional diet efforts, including hormone imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, and metabolic issues. This physician-supervised approach uses comprehensive lab testing to identify specific problems affecting metabolism and creates personalized treatment plans that may include hormone optimization and nutritional support. The focus is on correcting underlying imbalances rather than simply restricting calories or following generic meal plans.
Ready to address the root causes of your weight challenges? Schedule your comprehensive consultation with Dr. Zarzuela and our team at our Austin or San Antonio clinic. Most services are typically not covered by insurance, and patients pay out of pocket for personalized care.