Most weight loss programs are built around a false premise — that the barrier to fat loss is behavioral. The science tells a different story. Metabolic adaptation, hormonal dysregulation, gut-brain signaling dysfunction, and genetic predisposition create biological forces that resist even the most disciplined efforts.
Medical weight loss addresses these forces directly. GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists work at the neurological and metabolic level — reducing appetite signals that the brain generates, improving insulin sensitivity that drives fat storage, and restoring the hormonal environment that makes sustainable fat loss biologically possible.
At ARBOUR, we go further still. Medical weight loss is integrated with our hormone optimization, peptide, and IV therapy programs — because body composition is a whole-system outcome. A testosterone deficiency, thyroid imbalance, or cortisol dysregulation will undermine any weight loss program that doesn't address them. We do.
FDA-Approved Medications
Tirzepatide (GLP-1/GIP dual agonist) · Metformin · Topiramate
Adjunct Protocols
B12 injections · Metabolic IV therapy · Tesamorelin (visceral fat) · Retatrutide (investigational)
Health Coaching
In-house health coach · Clinician-led guidance · Dietitian referral · Lab-guided adjustments
Pricing
All program pricing discussed at consultation · HSA/FSA accepted · Cash pay
Weight loss at ARBOUR is not a prescription and a follow-up call. It is a comprehensive program built across four evidence-based pillars — each essential, each integrated with the others.
GLP-1 / GIP · FDA-Approved Therapy
The biological foundation of your fat loss program.
Tirzepatide — FDA-approved for obesity — activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors to reduce appetite, improve insulin sensitivity, and support meaningful, sustained weight reduction. Prescribed and monitored by our triple board-certified clinician.
Coaching · Nutrition · Accountability
The behavioral framework that medication alone cannot provide.
In-house health coaching, clinician-led lifestyle guidance, and dietitian referral work alongside your medical protocol to build the nutritional and behavioral infrastructure for lasting results — not just the duration of your prescription.
Metabolic · Hormone · Lab Assessment
What the scale doesn't show — and what drives everything.
Comprehensive metabolic and hormone assessment identifies the biological factors undermining fat loss — thyroid function, testosterone, cortisol, insulin resistance, inflammation markers — and addresses them directly alongside your weight loss protocol.
Adjunct · Enhancement · Support
The ARBOUR advantage — every tool available to your program.
B12 injections support metabolic function and energy. Metabolic IV therapy replenishes the micronutrients most depleted during caloric restriction. Tesamorelin may support visceral fat reduction. Each adjunct is clinician-selected based on your individual labs and goals.
The ARBOUR Weight Loss Process
Who May Benefit
Candidacy is assessed individually at consultation. No medication is prescribed without a complete clinical evaluation and informed consent.
Explore Program Components
Tirzepatide · Metformin · Topiramate
In-house coach · Clinician-led · Dietitian
Full metabolic + hormone assessment
Real patient outcomes · ARBOUR program
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical weight loss is clinician-supervised weight management that combines FDA-approved medications, personalized nutrition guidance, metabolic assessment, and health coaching — going far beyond diet and exercise alone. At ARBOUR Longevity in Ann Arbor, every program is tailored to your specific metabolic profile, hormone status, and health history. No two protocols are identical.
Tirzepatide (brand names Mounjaro® for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound® for obesity) activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors simultaneously — reducing appetite signals from the brain, slowing gastric emptying, improving insulin sensitivity, and supporting meaningful, sustained weight reduction. Phase 3 clinical trials demonstrated significant body weight reduction at therapeutic doses. It is prescribed and monitored by our clinician at ARBOUR following a comprehensive evaluation.
ARBOUR Longevity in Ann Arbor prescribes and supervises Tirzepatide as part of a comprehensive medical weight loss program. Our triple board-certified clinician evaluates your metabolic health, prescribes the appropriate formulation and starting dose, and provides ongoing monitoring and health coaching support throughout your program. We serve Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Plymouth, and greater Southeast Michigan.
Most patients on GLP-1/GIP therapy begin to see measurable metabolic changes within 4 weeks of reaching a therapeutic dose. Meaningful body composition changes typically occur over 3–6 months of consistent program participation. Our programs are designed for sustainable long-term transformation — not rapid short-term loss that reverses when medication stops. Individual results vary based on metabolic health, adherence, and program factors.
The fundamental difference is clinical depth and integration. Many providers prescribe GLP-1 medications without addressing the metabolic and hormonal factors that limit their effectiveness. ARBOUR integrates weight loss medication with hormone optimization, metabolic assessment, IV nutritional therapy, and personalized health coaching — creating a program where every biological obstacle to fat loss is identified and addressed, not just the appetite signal.
ARBOUR operates as a cash-pay practice. HSA and FSA funds are accepted for eligible services. Some patients may have insurance coverage for brand-name Tirzepatide when prescribed for an FDA-approved indication — we recommend checking with your insurance provider. All program pricing is transparent and discussed in full at consultation.
Medical Weight Loss · Ann Arbor
Schedule a medical weight loss consultation at ARBOUR Longevity. Our triple board-certified clinician reviews your complete metabolic picture and designs the program that addresses every factor keeping your body from the composition it's capable of.
Physician-collaborative practice · Triple board-certified clinician · Ann Arbor, Michigan
Medical & Regulatory Disclosure
Tirzepatide is FDA-approved as Mounjaro® for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound® for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. Prescribing is subject to FDA-approved labeling. Retatrutide is an investigational compound in Phase 3 clinical trials — not FDA-approved for any indication — prescribed under informed consent with full regulatory disclosure. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; use in metabolic programs is off-label and disclosed at consultation. Metformin is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes; use in weight management programs may constitute off-label use.
All weight loss medications at ARBOUR are prescribed by a licensed clinician following comprehensive evaluation. Treatment suitability varies by individual medical history. No guarantee of results is expressed or implied. Weight loss medications are not appropriate for everyone — contraindications, risks, and alternatives are discussed at consultation. Individual results vary and depend on adherence, metabolic factors, and lifestyle.
GLP-1 / GIP Dual Agonist · Gold Standard
Mounjaro® (T2D) · Zepbound® (Obesity) · Compounded versions available
Tirzepatide is the most clinically studied and FDA-approved GLP-1/GIP dual agonist for weight loss. Its simultaneous activation of both GLP-1 and GIP receptors produces appetite reduction, improved insulin sensitivity, slowed gastric emptying, and metabolic effects that single GLP-1 agonists cannot fully replicate. Phase 3 clinical trials demonstrated highly significant body weight reduction outcomes across diverse patient populations. It is the first-line medication in ARBOUR's weight loss program for eligible patients.
Typical Administration
Subcutaneous injection · Weekly · Titrated from starting dose under clinician supervision · Patient self-administered
GLP-1 / GIP / Glucagon Triple Agonist · Investigational
Triple Agonist · Investigational Compound · Phase 3 Clinical Trials
Retatrutide adds glucagon receptor agonism to the dual GLP-1/GIP mechanism — potentially increasing energy expenditure beyond what appetite suppression alone achieves. Phase 2 trial data demonstrated body weight reduction outcomes that represent some of the highest figures recorded in pharmaceutical trials to date. Currently in Phase 3 trials. This compound has not received FDA approval. It is prescribed as an investigational compound with comprehensive informed consent.
Typical Administration
Subcutaneous injection · Weekly · Clinician-supervised titration required · Patient self-administered
Biguanide · Insulin Sensitizer · Metabolic Support
Glucophage® · Established metabolic medication
Metformin is one of the most studied medications in metabolic medicine — improving insulin sensitivity, reducing hepatic glucose production, and supporting metabolic efficiency. In weight loss programs it may be used adjunctively to address insulin resistance that limits fat loss, particularly in patients with metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes, or PCOS. Off-label use in weight management is disclosed at consultation.
Typical Administration
Oral tablet · Daily or twice daily · Titrated to minimize GI side effects
Anticonvulsant · Appetite Modulation Adjunct
Topamax® · Weight Loss Adjunct When Indicated
Topiramate is FDA-approved for epilepsy and migraine prophylaxis and is used off-label as an appetite modulation adjunct in weight management programs. It may enhance the appetite-reducing effects of GLP-1 therapy in select patients. Used at ARBOUR only when clinically indicated based on individual patient profile — not as a routine component of every program. Full off-label disclosure and risk discussion at consultation.
Typical Administration
Oral tablet · Low-dose · Used when clinically indicated · Titrated under supervision
Methylcobalamin injections support cellular energy metabolism and neurological function — addressing the fatigue that often accompanies caloric restriction and metabolic change. Available weekly or bi-weekly during your program.
Our Metabolic Reset IV delivers the B-Complex, Alpha Lipoic Acid, L-Carnitine, and Magnesium most depleted during active weight loss — supporting metabolic function, energy, and preventing the micronutrient deficiencies that slow progress.
A GHRH analogue FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, used off-label for visceral adipose tissue reduction. May specifically target metabolically active abdominal fat when GLP-1 therapy alone is insufficient. Full off-label disclosure at consultation.
GLP-1 / GIP Therapy · Ann Arbor
Schedule a GLP-1 consultation at ARBOUR. We review your metabolic history, current health status, and prescribe the protocol that is clinically appropriate — with complete transparency about every medication, its evidence, and its regulatory status.
Health Coaching at ARBOUR
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Your dedicated ARBOUR health coach works alongside your clinical protocol — providing structured nutrition guidance, behavioral strategy, accountability check-ins, and the practical support that bridges the gap between what your clinician prescribes and what you do with that prescription every day. Included in your weight loss program.
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At every follow-up appointment, your clinician integrates lifestyle assessment into your clinical review — not as a separate conversation, but as a core part of protocol optimization. Nutrition patterns, activity levels, sleep quality, and stress load all affect metabolic response. They are evaluated and addressed alongside your lab data.
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For patients requiring more intensive nutritional support — complex dietary restrictions, disordered eating history, medical nutrition therapy — ARBOUR coordinates referral to trusted registered dietitians who work alongside our clinical program. Collaborative, integrated, and patient-specific.
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Your coaching program is not static. As your labs evolve — metabolic markers improve, hormone levels shift, body composition changes — both your clinical protocol and your coaching framework are adjusted to match where you are now, not where you started. Quarterly assessments minimum.
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Not a diet plan. A nutritional education framework built around your metabolic profile, medication protocol, and personal food preferences — designed to produce sustainable habits that remain in place after your weight loss program concludes. Practical. Evidence-based. Yours.
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Regular touchpoints with your health coach maintain momentum, address obstacles before they become barriers, and keep your program aligned with your evolving goals. Scheduled check-ins complement your clinical appointments — a complete support system, not a checklist.
Health Coaching · Ann Arbor
Health coaching is included in ARBOUR's comprehensive weight loss program — not an add-on, not optional. Schedule a consultation to meet your care team and understand how coaching and clinical medicine work together at ARBOUR.
What We Measure — And Why
Metabolic Function
Insulin resistance is the most common hidden driver of stubborn weight gain — particularly abdominal fat. Elevated fasting insulin signals fat storage even when calories are controlled. Must be identified and treated directly.
Thyroid
Subclinical hypothyroidism is extraordinarily common and consistently underdiagnosed. Even mildly suboptimal thyroid function reduces metabolic rate, increases fatigue, and makes fat loss significantly harder. Standard TSH screening misses most cases.
Sex Hormones
Testosterone deficiency in both men and women directly impairs body composition — reducing lean muscle mass and increasing fat accumulation. No weight loss program succeeds at its potential with unaddressed hormonal deficiency.
Stress & Adrenal
Chronically elevated cortisol drives visceral fat accumulation, increases appetite for calorie-dense foods, and impairs insulin sensitivity. Cortisol dysregulation is one of the most commonly missed metabolic barriers in weight loss.
Inflammation
Systemic inflammation directly impairs fat metabolism and insulin signaling. Elevated inflammatory markers indicate metabolic dysfunction that must be addressed for weight loss to proceed efficiently and sustainably.
Metabolic Efficiency
HbA1c reveals average blood sugar over 3 months — the most accurate window into glucose metabolism. Advanced lipid testing identifies metabolic risk beyond standard cholesterol panels. Critical for comprehensive metabolic health assessment.
Most weight loss programs treat the body as a single-input system: reduce calories, increase activity, expect results. ARBOUR's metabolic approach recognizes that body composition is the output of dozens of interlocking biological systems — and that optimizing each one creates exponentially better outcomes than addressing any one alone.
When testosterone is restored alongside a GLP-1 protocol, the lean muscle preservation is dramatically better. When cortisol is managed, visceral fat reduction accelerates. When thyroid function is optimized, the metabolic rate responds to medication the way the clinical trials say it should.
This integration is the ARBOUR difference. Not just a prescription. A complete metabolic optimization strategy that treats the whole patient — not the number on the scale.
Hormone Integration
Testosterone · Estrogen · Thyroid · Cortisol — all evaluated and addressed alongside weight loss protocol
Body Composition Tracking
Lean mass vs. fat mass monitoring — because weight on a scale is a poor measure of metabolic progress
Lab-Guided Optimization
Protocol adjusted at every follow-up based on lab data — not just subjective response
Metabolic IV Support
ARBOUR Metabolic Reset IV replenishes nutrients depleted during active weight loss — supporting function, energy, and metabolic efficiency
Metabolic Health · Ann Arbor
Schedule a metabolic health consultation at ARBOUR. We run the full assessment — metabolic, hormonal, inflammatory — and build your weight loss protocol around every factor we find, not just the ones a scale can see.
Our Process
34
lbs lost
5
months
A1c
normalized
"I had tried everything. Calorie counting, keto, personal trainers. Nothing moved the needle the way this did. And what surprised me most was how much the hormone work alongside it changed everything."
Michael R. · Ann Arbor
Protocol: Tirzepatide + Testosterone Optimization + Metabolic IV · 5 months
28
lbs lost
4
months
Energy
normalized
"The combination of the GLP-1 medication and the health coaching was the difference. I'd been on a GLP-1 before elsewhere — the results here were completely different because of the support around it."
Jennifer K. · Saline, MI
Protocol: Tirzepatide + Health Coaching + B12 Protocol · 4 months
19
lbs lost
3
months
Visceral
normalized
"My thyroid was the hidden issue that nobody had caught. Once that was corrected alongside the GLP-1, the weight started moving. The comprehensive labs changed everything about how my protocol was designed."
Sandra M. · Plymouth, MI
Protocol: Tirzepatide + Thyroid Optimization + Tesamorelin · 3 months
Program Aggregate Data — ARBOUR Weight Loss Patients
Average lbs lost · First 4 months
Report improved energy levels by week 8
Metabolic + Hormone Integration · Every Patient
Generic protocols · Every program individualized
Aggregate data from ARBOUR weight loss program participants. Individual results vary. Data reflects full-program participants following prescribed protocol under clinician supervision.
Why ARBOUR Produces These Results
Our clinician holds certifications in Family Medicine, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Functional Medicine — bringing a comprehensive clinical lens to weight loss that most providers simply cannot offer. Every protocol reflects the full picture.
Every ARBOUR weight loss patient has their hormones evaluated and addressed alongside their medication protocol. Testosterone, thyroid, cortisol — every factor that determines metabolic response is identified and optimized. No other weight loss program in Southeast Michigan does this as comprehensively.
Our in-house health coach works alongside your clinical protocol from day one — not as a supplementary service, but as an integral program component. The habits built during your program are designed to sustain your results long after your medication protocol concludes.
Your Transformation · Ann Arbor
Every patient transformation above started with a consultation. Schedule yours — and let our clinician design the program that gives your biology the best opportunity for the results you have been working toward.
Regenerative medicine and aesthetic arts — where science meets the artistry of transformation. Ann Arbor, Michigan.
