Weight Management
Medical Weight Management That Treats the Whole Picture
Weight is a medical issue, not a willpower issue. At Dunn Family Medicine, we approach weight management the same way we approach any chronic condition — with a thorough evaluation, personalized treatment, and ongoing support.
A Medical Approach to Weight
Most people who struggle with weight have tried the standard advice — eat less, move more — and found it isn't enough. That's because weight is regulated by complex hormonal, metabolic, and neurological systems. When those systems are out of balance, willpower alone rarely wins.
We start with a thorough evaluation: labs to check thyroid function, insulin resistance, hormones, and metabolic markers. We look at sleep quality, stress levels, medications that may be contributing, and your personal history with weight. This gives us a real picture of what's going on.
From there, we build a plan that may include GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide, oral medications, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle changes. We monitor your progress closely and adjust as needed — because what works at month one may need to evolve at month six.
Patients come to us from Steilacoom, Lakewood, DuPont, University Place, and the broader Tacoma area. Many have been told to "just try harder" for years. We take a different approach.
What Our Program Includes
- Comprehensive metabolic labs and baseline evaluation
- GLP-1 medications (semaglutide, tirzepatide) when appropriate
- Oral medications and appetite management
- Nutrition and dietary counseling
- Activity and lifestyle guidance
- Ongoing monitoring and medication adjustments
- Addressing underlying contributors — thyroid, hormones, sleep, stress
- Long-term maintenance planning
GLP-1 Medications: What to Know
GLP-1 receptor agonists — including semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) — represent a significant advance in obesity medicine. They work by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar, helping patients feel full sooner and reducing food cravings.
These medications are not a quick fix, and they're not right for everyone. We evaluate each patient individually — considering your health history, other medications, goals, and whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks for you specifically.
When GLP-1 medications are appropriate, we manage the full process: prescribing, monitoring for side effects, adjusting doses, and integrating the medication with lifestyle changes that support long-term success.
As a DPC practice, we have the time to do this properly — not a 10-minute prescription refill, but an ongoing medical relationship focused on your outcomes.
What to Expect
Initial evaluation
We start with a comprehensive visit — your history, goals, labs, and a full picture of what's contributing to your weight. No judgment, no generic advice.
Personalized plan
Based on your evaluation, we build a treatment plan that may include medication, nutritional guidance, lifestyle changes, and monitoring. It's specific to you.
Ongoing support
Weight management is a long game. We check in regularly, adjust your plan as your body responds, and stay with you through plateaus and progress.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Noel Dunn, MD, FAAFP — Board-Certified in Family Medicine & Obesity Medicine, Dunn Family Medicine, Steilacoom, WA.
Ready to take a medical approach to weight?
Schedule a free introduction appointment to discuss your goals and learn how we can help.
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