Weight Loss
Dr. Valerie Civelli approaches weight loss through the lens of Functional Medicine and Engineering. We don't just "prescribe"; we investigate the hormonal, inflammatory, and behavioral barriers holding you back. By using GLP-1 agonists alongside intensive accountability, we ensure you don't just lose weight—you gain a new baseline for health.
Medical GLP-1 therapy
Direct 1-on-1 accountability coaching to navigate lifestyle integration.
Custom protocols typically ranging from 3 to 12 months.
A dedicated "exit strategy" to ensure weight remains stable post-treatment.
Reduced adipose tissue, preserved lean muscle, and optimized metabolic markers.
At VAL, we approach weight loss as Metabolic Engineering. We use GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonists, which are natural hormones that signal fullness to the brain and help the pancreas manage blood sugar. We provide various options customized to your specific biology, emphasizing long-term healthspan over rapid, unsustainable "drops."
We start your journey with a comprehensive lab panel to map your metabolic health. After we select your specific GLP-1 medication, the medical procedure is a simple, painless, once-weekly subcutaneous injection. But the most critical "procedure" is the weekly check-in with your accountability coach, where we analyze your biometrics, refine your nutrition plan, and work through the more subtle, "soft" elements of your transformation.
The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) can help manage a variety of health issues often associated with weight and metabolism.
The benefits of a VAL-engineered weight-loss protocol extend far beyond aesthetics.
The ideal candidate is an individual between 35-55 who feels their metabolism has stalled despite traditional efforts. You should seek this treatment if you value a data-driven, concierge approach. This is not for those seeking a "quick fix" without lifestyle integration; it is for those ready to partner with a physician to re-engineer their future.
There is no "downtime" in the clinical sense. However, there is an initial adjustment period as your body adapts to the GLP-1 medication. You may experience mild nausea or changes in digestion. We prepare you for this with specific nutritional protocols and supportive care to ensure your daily life remains uninterrupted.
Patients typically begin to see a shift in body composition within the first 4 weeks. However, the most profound changes — the "VAL Results" — appear at the 3-to-6-month mark. You will notice a visible reduction in inflammation, increased clothing comfort, and a newfound sense of control over your appetite. These results are designed to be permanent through our structured maintenance and exit protocols.
Dr. Valerie Civelli, M.D., brings a rigorous and unique perspective to weight loss, rooted in her background as a UCLA-affiliated Chief Resident and a Board-Certified Functional Medicine Physician. Her practice goes beyond simply writing a prescription; Dr. Civelli provides comprehensive medical oversight that thoughtfully integrates your DNA, gut health, and brain function.
Food noise is the constant mental chatter regarding food and cravings. GLP-1 medications effectively "mute" this signal in the brain, allowing you to make food choices based on nutrition rather than impulse.
Our goal is metabolic flexibility. We use the "Steel" of the medication to achieve the goal and the "Soft" of coaching to build the habits that allow for a successful, supervised transition off the medication.
Diet plans are static; coaching is dynamic. Your VAL coach monitors your real-time data and provides the structure and direct access needed to navigate social events, travel, and setbacks.
As a Board-Certified Family and Functional Medicine physician, Dr. Civelli performs a deep clinical review to ensure the protocol is safe for your specific medical history, including thyroid and cardiovascular health.
Semaglutide targets one hunger hormone receptor, while Tirzepatide targets two. During your consult, we determine which "engineering tool" is most appropriate for your biological blueprint.
