Weight loss is a symptom of a system
working. Or not.
At Meliora, medical weight loss is embedded in the same root-cause framework as everything else we do. GLP-1 therapy, hormone optimization, DEXA body composition analysis, and metabolic support — working together, not in isolation.
The Framework
Twelve years of practice, distilled into The Meliora Method.™
Why standard weight loss programs fail most people.
Conventional weight loss medicine assumes the problem is caloric intake and exercise output. For most patients — especially women over 35 — this misses most of the actual biology. Hormonal imbalance slows metabolism. Low thyroid function suppresses fat burning. Insulin resistance makes fat storage the path of least resistance. Cortisol dysregulation drives abdominal fat accumulation regardless of diet.
GLP-1 medications have changed the landscape of weight management. But a GLP-1 prescription without attention to the underlying hormonal and metabolic drivers is still incomplete care. Patients who lose weight on GLP-1 therapy alone often plateau — or regain — because the root causes haven't been addressed.
At Meliora, weight loss is always embedded in a comprehensive metabolic assessment. We use GLP-1 therapy as a powerful tool in a broader protocol that includes hormone optimization, nutrient repletion, body composition tracking, and metabolic testing. The goal is not the number on the scale. The goal is sustainable metabolic health.
The Protocol
A weight loss protocol that addresses all the drivers.
Comprehensive Metabolic Assessment
Labs covering thyroid, hormone panel, fasting insulin, HbA1c, lipids, and nutrient status. We need to know what's driving the dysfunction before we can address it.
GLP-1 Therapy
A dual-acting incretin hormone analog that reduces appetite, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports fat metabolism. Dosed and titrated based on your response. Not appropriate for everyone — we evaluate candidacy at your consultation.
DEXA Body Composition Scanning
We track fat mass, lean muscle mass, visceral fat, and bone density — not just scale weight. This is how we know whether you're losing fat or muscle, and adjust your protocol accordingly.
Hormone Optimization
Hormonal imbalance is one of the primary drivers of weight resistance in women. Correcting estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid levels creates the metabolic environment weight loss requires.
Nutrient Repletion
Deficiencies in vitamin D, B12, magnesium, and ferritin impair metabolism, energy, and thyroid function. We address these in parallel — because you can't optimize metabolism in a nutrient-deficient state.
Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
How many calories your body actually burns at rest. Combined with DEXA, this tells us exactly what your body needs and how efficiently it's using energy — so we can build a plan that works with your metabolism, not against it.
Who Benefits
This program is for patients who have tried — and haven't gotten the results they expected.
Women with hormonal weight resistance
If you've gained weight during perimenopause or menopause, or if your weight doesn't respond to diet and exercise the way it used to, the cause is almost certainly hormonal. Treating the hormones is where we start.
Patients who want GLP-1 therapy done properly
GLP-1 medications are powerful, but they're most effective as part of a comprehensive metabolic protocol. We prescribe GLP-1 therapy as part of an integrated plan — not as a standalone solution.
Patients who want to protect muscle while losing fat
One of the most underappreciated risks of rapid weight loss is muscle loss. We monitor your body composition throughout treatment and adjust your protocol to preserve lean mass.
Anyone who needs to understand their metabolism first
If you don't know your resting metabolic rate, your hormone levels, or your body composition, you're guessing. We start with data.
What to Expect
How we approach medical weight loss.
01
Metabolic Assessment
A comprehensive lab panel and clinical intake. Dr. Chua reviews your hormone, thyroid, and metabolic markers before your consultation.
02
Your consultation
Dr. Chua reviews your full metabolic picture, identifies the drivers, and builds your protocol. This may include GLP-1 therapy, hormone optimization, or a combination.
03
DEXA baseline
A body composition scan at the start of treatment gives us a precise baseline. We repeat at intervals to track what's actually changing.
04
Ongoing monitoring
Follow-up visits at regular intervals to review labs, adjust GLP-1 dosing, track body composition, and refine your protocol as your body responds.
Common questions.
Do I need to be on hormones to be in this program?
No. Hormone therapy is evaluated as part of your assessment and recommended where indicated. It's not a requirement for the weight program — but for many patients, addressing hormonal drivers significantly improves outcomes.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
This varies significantly by individual. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 10–15% of body weight with GLP-1 therapy. Results depend on your starting metabolic state, hormone status, adherence, and the completeness of your protocol.
What happens when I stop GLP-1 therapy?
Without lifestyle and metabolic support, some weight regain is common when GLP-1 medications are discontinued. This is why we build a comprehensive protocol — so that when you taper, your hormonal and metabolic foundations are strong enough to maintain your results.
Is this covered by insurance?
We are a cash-pay practice. We don't provide documentation for coverage, and we don't do insurance authorizations at Meliora.
Questions? Send us a message.
We respond within one business day.
Start with the full picture.
Sustainable weight loss requires understanding your metabolic drivers. Book a consultation and we'll build a protocol around your biology.