At Glendale Whole Health, we offer advanced GLP-1 weight loss therapies that go beyond simple appetite suppression. Medications like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) and the next-generation retatrutide help reset appetite, improve insulin sensitivity and support lasting metabolic health.
Unlike many programs that focus only on the injections, we take a functional medicine approach to weight management. This means we evaluate and address the underlying factors that contribute to weight gain including:
- Nutrition – personalized plans that improve metabolic health and reduce inflammation
- Physical activity – strategies to stay active in ways that fit your lifestyle
- Lifestyle factors – sleep quality, stress and daily routines that affect metabolism
- Hormones – optimizing thyroid, testosterone, cortisol, insulin and other key hormones
- Gut health – supporting the microbiome and digestion which influence weight and cravings
By integrating these areas with medication, our program improves long-term success and helps patients maintain results after tapering off injections.
Every plan includes:
- Initial consultation with Dr. Speller
- Full assessment with body composition testing, basal metabolic rate and body measurements
- Baseline lab testing (insurance or cash pricing)
- Thorough review of your results
- Prescription for semaglutide, tirzepatide or retatrutide as appropriate
- Monthly follow-ups during dose escalation and quarterly follow-ups once on a stable dose
At Glendale Whole Health our goal is not just to help you lose weight — but to help you feel better, move more easily and sustain your results for life.
Semaglutide Microdosing
Not all patients need the full therapeutic doses of GLP-1 medications used for obesity, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. For those who are already generally healthy and metabolically fit, semaglutide microdosing offers a gentler way to gain benefits without the side effects of higher doses.
Our approach to microdosing is informed by advanced functional medicine training, including the Ozempic Done Right University program taught by Dr. Tyna Moore, a leader in integrative weight management.
What Is It?
Microdosing uses very low weekly doses of semaglutide to gently support appetite regulation, inflammation control and metabolic balance. Unlike standard dosing, microdosing does not aim for dramatic weight loss but instead supports subtle, sustainable improvements in health.
Benefits of Microdosing
- Anti-inflammatory effects that support healthy aging and longevity
- Craving and addiction support including food, sugar or alcohol cravings
- Metabolic resilience even in those without metabolic disease
- Small, sustainable weight reduction without over-suppressing appetite
- Fewer side effects since doses are much lower than conventional therapy
Who Qualifies?
Microdosing may be right for you if you are:
- At a healthy weight or only mildly overweight
- Metabolically fit and active
- Seeking anti-inflammatory, craving-control or longevity benefits
- Interested in losing a small amount of weight (“vanity pounds”)
Who Should Use Standard Dosing Instead?
Patients with insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes or obesity will likely need routine GLP-1 dosing for the best results.
Program Details
At Glendale Whole Health, Semaglutide Microdosing is $300/month and includes baseline labs and functional medicine support.
Retatrutide – The Next Generation GLP-1
Retatrutide is the newest GLP-1–based therapy available through compounding pharmacies. Unlike semaglutide (GLP-1 only) and tirzepatide (GLP-1 + GIP), retatrutide is a triple agonist that works on GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors. Early clinical trials show it may be the most powerful medication yet for weight loss and metabolic health.
Potential Benefits of Retatrutide
- Greater average weight loss compared to earlier GLP-1s
- Improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control
- Favorable impact on cardiovascular and inflammatory markers
- May help maintain lean muscle mass while reducing fat
Who May Benefit?
Retatrutide may be an option for patients who:
- Have obesity, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
- Have not achieved enough weight loss with semaglutide or tirzepatide
- Want the most advanced GLP-1/GIP/glucagon therapy available
At Glendale Whole Health, compounded retatrutide is available for $1,150/month as part of our comprehensive functional medicine weight loss program.
FDA Approval and Compounded Options
- Semaglutide (Ozempic® for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy® for weight management) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro® for type 2 diabetes, Zepbound® for weight management) are FDA-approved medications
- Retatrutide is not yet FDA-approved and is currently available only through compounding pharmacies for patients working with a licensed provider
- At Glendale Whole Health we prescribe both brand-name and compounded options depending on insurance coverage, cost and patient preference
Pricing
- Compounded Semaglutide: $500/month
- Compounded Tirzepatide: $850/month
- Compounded Retatrutide: $1,150/month (newest, most potent option available)
- Semaglutide Microdosing: $300/month
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Qualifies for GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications?
You may qualify if you are in one of the following categories:
- Obese
- Overweight with a related condition (e.g. high blood pressure, prediabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Prediabetes or insulin resistance with a related condition
If I Qualify for Ozempic or Wegovy, Does That Mean My Insurance Will Cover It?
Not necessarily. Meeting criteria does not guarantee insurance coverage.
My Insurance Company Says I Need a Prior Authorization (PA). Will You Do This?
We will submit a PA one time. If it is declined, we will not resubmit. In our experience, resubmitting rarely changes the outcome and places undue administrative burden on staff.
Who Shouldn’t Take GLP-1 Medications?
These medications may not be appropriate if you have:
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- A history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
- A history of allergic reaction to semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide or their ingredients
- A personal history of pancreatitis (use with extreme caution)
What Are the Side Effects?
The most common side effects include constipation, nausea, early fullness and diarrhea. These can often be minimized by starting at a low dose and increasing gradually.
If My Insurance Doesn’t Cover the Brand Medications, What Are My Options?
Without insurance, Wegovy costs about $1,300/month and Ozempic about $1,000/month. At Glendale Whole Health we offer compounded semaglutide for $500/month, tirzepatide for $850/month and retatrutide for $1,150/month.
What Is the Glendale Whole Health GLP-1 Weight Loss Program?
Our program combines medication with a functional medicine approach to improve long-term success. It includes:
- Initial consultation with Dr. Speller
- Full assessment with body composition, basal metabolic rate testing and body measurements
- Baseline lab testing (insurance or cash pricing)
- Thorough review of lab results
- A prescription for semaglutide, tirzepatide or retatrutide
- Escalation to the most effective dose for you
- Monthly follow-ups during escalation and quarterly follow-ups for maintenance
I Want to Start at a Higher Dose. Is That Possible?
In our experience, starting at the lowest dose is the best way to avoid complications. We are adamant about starting low and increasing gradually.
I Missed a Few Months. Can I Start Where I Left Off?
If you have been off medication for several months, you will likely need to restart at a lower dose. Please discuss this with Dr. Speller during your visit.
I’ve Heard That People Gain Weight Back After Stopping. Will That Happen to Me?
If you don’t make lifestyle and dietary changes, you may regain weight after stopping. This is why we use a functional medicine approach. We identify and address underlying factors like inflammation, thyroid imbalance, sleep apnea, low testosterone or vitamin deficiencies. While on GLP-1s, patients often learn new satiety cues, portion control and activity habits that support success after weaning off.
Can I Stop When I Reach My Goal Weight?
Just as we carefully titrate your dose upward when starting, it’s important to taper gradually when stopping. Weaning down helps your body adjust smoothly and reduces the chance of rebound appetite. At Glendale Whole Health we also recommend supportive supplements that mimic GLP-1 activity and address root causes like inflammation, gut imbalance or hormone shifts. These tools help you maintain your weight loss and protect your progress.
Can I Stay on GLP-1s Forever?
If you are using these medications for type 2 diabetes and tolerate them well, long-term use may be appropriate. For weight loss alone, we recommend reassessment once you reach your goal weight.
What Are Mounjaro and Zepbound?
Mounjaro and Zepbound are brand names of tirzepatide. Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with related conditions. Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide acts as both a GLP-1 receptor agonist and a GIP agonist, providing an additional metabolic boost.
Can I Get Mounjaro or Zepbound Instead of Semaglutide?
Yes, patients at Glendale Whole Health can choose tirzepatide if it is the best fit for their goals.
Is Semaglutide, Tirzepatide or Retatrutide Right for Me?
The decision depends on your health history, goals and how your body responds. We provide comprehensive evaluations to determine the safest and most effective option for you.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re ready to explore GLP-1 weight loss therapy with semaglutide, tirzepatide or retatrutide, call us at (818) 551-0464 or email info@glendalewholehealth.com to request an appointment. At Glendale Whole Health, we’ll design a personalized plan that fits your goals and supports long-term success.