The Wellness Check
GLP-1 medications have changed what's possible for people who have been working hard at weight loss for years without seeing sustainable results. But a prescription on its own isn't a plan. At Abōde, our Wellness Check is a medically supervised program led by Courtney Peabody, FNP, combining comprehensive lab work, an honest evaluation of your health baseline, GLP-1 support where appropriate, and ongoing check-ins designed to keep you moving forward safely and with clarity.
This is medical weight loss built around you.
What Is a GLP-1 Medication?
GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy), are a class of medications that have become one of the most clinically supported tools available for medical weight loss.
They work by:
- Mimicking a hormone your body naturally produces after eating
- Slowing digestion so you feel satisfied longer
- Reducing appetite signals so food feels less consuming
- Supporting more stable blood sugar and reducing cravings
For many clients, the result is meaningful and sustainable weight reduction, particularly when paired with clinical oversight, adequate protein intake, intentional nutrition, and support for preserving the muscle mass that makes long-term results last.
What the Wellness Check Includes
Before any medication is prescribed, Courtney begins with a thorough evaluation, because understanding where you're starting from is what makes a weight loss plan actually work.
Your Wellness Check includes:
- Comprehensive lab panel
- Full health history and medication review
- Weight and body composition baseline
- A real conversation about your goals, your history with weight loss, and any relevant symptoms
- Review of contraindications and candidacy for GLP-1 therapy
- Personalized GLP-1 protocol if appropriate, including starting dose and titration plan
- Scheduled follow-up appointments and ongoing lab monitoring
- Guidance on protein intake, nutrition, and resistance training to protect muscle mass throughout your progress
Is the Wellness Check Right For You?
GLP-1 therapy isn't reserved for clients with significant weight to lose. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have a BMI of 27 or higher, particularly with weight-related health concerns
- Have worked hard at diet and exercise without achieving sustainable results
- Are experiencing weight gain related to hormonal changes, perimenopause, or menopause
- Have a history of metabolic challenges, insulin resistance, or blood sugar concerns
- Are looking for a medically supervised, personally supported approach to weight management
GLP-1 medications aren't appropriate for everyone. During your Wellness Check, Courtney will review your labs and health history and be straightforward with you about whether this program is a good fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is semaglutide, and is it the same as Ozempic?
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in both Ozempic (FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management) and Wegovy (FDA-approved for chronic weight management). At Abōde, Courtney prescribes —----- under clinical supervision, which allows for careful, individualized dosing and titration. She'll walk you through the medication, what to expect, and how your protocol will be adjusted over time.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Results vary based on starting point, health history, dose, and lifestyle. Clinical research has demonstrated meaningful weight reduction over the course of consistent use. Many clients notice a significant reduction in appetite within the first few weeks. Courtney will discuss realistic expectations with you based on your individual profile and check in regularly to adjust your plan as you progress.
Are there side effects?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea and mild digestive changes, and typically improve as your body adjusts. Starting at a low dose and titrating gradually helps minimize discomfort. Courtney monitors for any changes at follow-up appointments and adjusts your protocol as needed.
How long will I need to take GLP-1 medication?
This depends on your goals and your response. Some clients use GLP-1 therapy as a shorter-term tool to reach a specific goal, then transition to a maintenance phase. Others continue longer-term, particularly when metabolic health is part of the picture. Courtney will walk you through your options honestly, based on where you are and where you want to be.
What should I be eating while on a GLP-1?
Because GLP-1 medications reduce appetite, one of the most important things you can do is make your calories count, especially when it comes to protein. Courtney's guidance emphasizes prioritizing protein at every meal to preserve muscle mass, staying adequately hydrated, and building meals around whole foods that support energy and satiety. Under-eating or skipping meals might seem harmless when you're not hungry, but protecting your muscle throughout the process is essential for long-term results and overall health.
Will I lose muscle on a GLP-1?
You can, if protein intake and resistance training aren't prioritized. Clients who combine GLP-1 therapy with adequate protein and strength-based exercise tend to lose a much higher proportion of fat relative to muscle, which leads to better body composition and results that are easier to maintain.
Do I need to change my diet or exercise while on a GLP-1?
Yes, and this is something Courtney is direct about from the start. GLP-1 medications are a powerful tool, but they work best alongside intentional nutrition and consistent movement. You don't need to follow a rigid plan, but you do need to be thoughtful about what you're eating and how you're moving your body.
Can I combine the Wellness Check with hormone therapy?
Yes, and for many clients this combination is particularly effective. Hormonal imbalance, especially during perimenopause and menopause, can make weight loss significantly harder even with medication. Addressing both together gives your body more support and often leads to better outcomes. If hormonal symptoms are part of your picture, Courtney will discuss evaluation during your Wellness Check.
How is this different from getting a GLP-1 prescription through an online service?
Online platforms can issue a prescription. What they can't provide is the full clinical picture. At Abōde, your Wellness Check includes comprehensive labs, a thorough health review, and ongoing monitoring from an FNP who knows your history. Courtney adjusts your protocol over time, monitors for contraindications, and addresses the lifestyle factors that make medication more effective, not just the medication itself.
Why Clients Choose Us
Clients come to Abōde for more than a weight loss prescription. They come for care that's medically grounded, personally supported, and focused on long-term results. With Courtney's clinical expertise guiding every step, you'll never be handed a plan without context or left to figure it out alone. Instead, you'll find real answers, thoughtful support, and a team invested in helping you feel your best.