GLP-1 Weight Loss Program in Birmingham: Personalized Care for Women

Why Weight Loss Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All—And What Makes Our Physician-Led Program Different

Personalized, physician-supervised weight loss care using GLP-1/GIP therapies.
Traditional diets ignore women’s hormones and life stages.

GLP-1/GIP combination therapy—a dual hormone approach that reduces hunger signals and improves insulin sensitivity. This may include medications like tirzepatide, prescribed when clinically appropriate.

Monthly OB/GYN visits personalize dosing and ensure safety.

What’s wrong with most weight-loss plans?

Calorie-tracking apps and juice cleanses assume bodies are simple math—eat less, move more, lose weight. Women know better. Post-pregnancy shifts, perimenopausal hormones, thyroid drag, and insulin resistance can all sabotage “eat-less” strategies. When biology fights back, even perfect willpower can’t win.

How does our program solve that?

We designed an individualized, physician-supervised pathway that treats weight gain as a medical condition, not a moral failing. Every enrollee receives:

  • Monthly office visits with a board-certified OB/GYN—30 minutes reserved just for you.
  • GLP-1/GIP combination therapy tailored to your needs.
  • Comprehensive labs at baseline and follow-up to catch hidden blockers (thyroid, iron, vitamin D, A1C).
  • On-site Medical Assistant support plus the BodySite® app for daily accountability.

The result? A science-backed plan that adapts to your metabolism in real time.

Why choose GLP-1/GIP combination therapy over older medications—or “just dieting”?

Older GLP-1 drugs target a single pathway. GLP-1/GIP therapies activate two hormone receptors—addressing both appetite and fat storage more effectively than older single-pathway medications. In clinical trials, patients lost up to 22% of their starting weight while preserving lean muscle. Side effects are typically mild (nausea, fatigue) and taper off after the first few doses thanks to our gradual uptitration schedule.

Is it safe, and who monitors me?

Your journey is physician-directed from day one. We review your medical history, coordinate with other specialists if you’re diabetic or pre-diabetic, and adjust dose only when lab markers and symptoms say “go.” Because an OB/GYN is in the room, we can also guide fertility planning—tapering medication three months before you try to conceive.

What results can I expect?

Most participants see noticeable changes by week 4—looser jeans, steadier energy, and a scale trending the right way without crash-diet misery. By month 6, average loss is 15–18% of initial body weight, with many patients surpassing 20%. More important: you’ll leave with a maintenance plan, not a mystery.

Mini-FAQ

Can I use HSA/FSA dollars?

Yes. Program fees are usually eligible, and lab work can be billed to insurance when plans allow.

What if I travel or have a vacation?

You can pause doses for up to two weeks without losing momentum. We’ll show you how to plan injections around trips and restart safely.

Ready to start?

Appointments fill up quickly so act now to claim your spot:
Book my consult or call 205-933-8334.

About the Author

David McKee, Jr., MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at Birmingham OB/Gyn. He is dedicated to helping women achieve optimal health at every stage of life, with a special interest in preventive care, weight management, and supporting healthy lifestyles. Meet Dr. McKee

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized medical advice. Always consult a qualified health-care professional before starting any medication or program.

Tirzepatide is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for specific indications. This blog does not promote or sell tirzepatide or any compounded versions. All treatments are prescribed based on individual medical evaluation.

Eating for Two: What to Eat—and Avoid—During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time of incredible change—and what you eat plays a vital role in supporting your baby’s development and your own health. Some foods provide essential nutrients that help your baby grow strong. Others may carry possible risks that are best avoided during pregnancy.

Understanding what’s safe, what’s beneficial, and what to limit can go a long way toward easing stress and giving you confidence throughout your pregnancy journey. Continue reading “Eating for Two: What to Eat—and Avoid—During Pregnancy”

Is BHRT right for me?

 

Could Hormone Therapy Relieve These Common Symptoms?

Bio-identical hormone therapy (BHRT) can ease hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, brain fog, vaginal dryness, sleep problems and more when these symptoms stem from falling estrogen, progesterone or testosterone. Personalized doses—whether patch, gel, capsule or in-office pellet—often restore balance within weeks.

What Is BHRT in Plain Language?

BHRT uses plant-derived hormones that are chemically identical to the ones your body makes. By replacing only what is low, we aim to calm roller-coaster symptoms while supporting bone, heart and brain health.

Symptoms That Often Improve With Hormone Therapy

  • Vasomotor: hot flashes, night sweats
  • Mood & Cognition: irritability, anxiety, “brain fog,” memory lapses
  • Sleep: insomnia, early waking, restless sleep
  • Metabolic: stubborn mid-section weight gain, cholesterol shifts, insulin resistance
  • Sexual & Pelvic Health: low libido, vaginal dryness, discomfort with intimacy, mild urinary urgency
  • Musculoskeletal: joint aches, loss of muscle tone
  • Take-away: If a symptom worsens as hormones drop, balanced replacement often helps.

How Birmingham OB/Gyn Delivers Hormone Therapy

Our physicians customize therapy after a full symptom review and baseline labs. Options include:

  • Transdermal patches & gels — steady absorption through the skin
  • Micronized oral capsules — FDA-approved plant-based estrogen or progesterone
  • Custom vaginal creams — targeted relief for dryness or urinary urgency
  • Subcutaneous pellets — for patients who prefer a 3-4-month, no-maintenance option

You and your clinician will choose the formulation that best matches lifestyle, goals and medical history.

Who Is—and Is Not—a Good Candidate?

  • People with bothersome peri- or post-menopausal symptoms who have tried lifestyle changes first
  • Individuals whose hormone changes impact quality of life or metabolic health
  • Exclusions: active breast or uterine cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, severe liver disease, untreated clotting disorders

What Results Can You Expect?

Many patients notice better sleep and fewer hot flashes within two weeks. Mood, cognition and body-composition changes usually follow over 6–12 weeks. Dose adjustments are based on your follow-up labs and symptom journal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bio-identical therapy FDA-approved?

Several bio-identical hormones—such as transdermal estradiol and micronized progesterone—are FDA-approved. Custom-compounded options follow pharmacy standards but are not individually reviewed by the FDA.

How many lab tests will I need?

Baseline labs, then at 6 weeks and every 6–12 months—or sooner if we change your dose.


Ready to talk about hormone balance? Call 205-271-5601.

About Dr Michele M. Christine, MD (NPI 1134185143)
Board-Certified Gynecologist — Birmingham Obstetrics & Gynecology

Education & Training

MD, Emory University School of Medicine (1991) (birminghamdoctors.com)
Internship (Internal Medicine) & OB/Gyn Residency, UAB
Years in Practice — began private practice in 1996; in 2016 she chose to focus exclusively on gynecology and women’s health care after 20 years of obstetrics (birminghamobgyn.com)

Clinical Interests

Minimally-invasive laparoscopic & robotic gynecologic surgery
Sexual-function care and certified provider of the O-Shot™
Bio-identical hormone therapy, mood-disorder management, weight-loss counseling, and Botox® for women’s wellness (birminghamobgyn.com)

Hospital Privileges — Grandview Medical Center, Birmingham AL (birminghamobgyn.com)
Practice Location & Contact

Birmingham OB/Gyn, 2321 John Hawkins Parkway, Suite 213, Hoover, Alabama 35244
Appointments: 205-933-8334

Full profile: https://birminghamobgyn.com/people/michele-m-christine-m-d/

Professional Memberships — Fellow, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG)

Recognition — Named a B-Metro “Top Doctor” for Gynecology (birminghamobgyn.com)

Dr Christine brings more than three decades of experience to comprehensive, patient-centered women’s health—delivering evidence-based care with empathy across every life stage.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for education only and does not replace personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance on your specific situation.

Is It Safe to Travel During Pregnancy? Summer 2025 Tips for Moms-to-Be

If you’ve got a baby on the way and travel plans on the calendar, you may be wondering: Is it safe to travel while pregnant?

The good news? For most moms-to-be with healthy pregnancies, traveling during pregnancy is perfectly safe—especially in the second trimester. That said, summer brings extra considerations like heat, hydration, and long hours on the road or in the air.

Here’s what you need to know about traveling during pregnancy in summer 2025, from when to go to how to stay safe along the way.

Continue reading “Is It Safe to Travel During Pregnancy? Summer 2025 Tips for Moms-to-Be”

How to Choose the Right Gynecologist for You in 2025

Choosing a gynecologist is one of the most personal healthcare decisions you can make. Whether you’re booking your first appointment, switching providers, or seeking specialized care, finding the right fit matters not just for your comfort, but for your overall health.

In 2025, with expanded telehealth options, growing focus on inclusive care, and more access to patient reviews than ever, here’s how to find the gynecologist who’s right for you!

Continue reading “How to Choose the Right Gynecologist for You in 2025”

Physician-Led Weight Loss Program | Summer 2025

Weight Loss Picture

🥗 Ready for a Fresh Start This Summer?

Introducing Our New Physician-Led Weight Loss Program
Are you struggling to lose weight despite your best efforts? Our brand-new program is designed specifically for women who want to take control of their health—with real medical support.

This isn’t another trendy diet—it’s a comprehensive, 6-month physician-led weight loss plan, combining personalized coaching, lab-guided care, and compounded Tirzepatide medication.

✅ Supervised by our OB/Gyn physicians
✅ Monthly one-on-one appointments
✅ Customized nutrition & activity planning powered by our BodySite app
✅ $200 for initial consultation, then $125 per month plus medication
✅ InBody scale analysis included

Summer Special!
Join by June 30, 2025 and receive access to the Lean 13 Exercise Program ($50 value) in BodySite—our digital companion app for meal tracking, workouts, and more.

👉 Spots are limited—schedule your interest consult today!
Complete Our Interest Form

Breaking Down the Myths: What You Should Know About Vaginal Health

When it comes to vaginal health, misinformation is everywhere—from outdated advice passed down through generations to misleading social media posts and product marketing. Unfortunately, these myths can lead to confusion, unnecessary worry, or even harmful hygiene habits.

Understanding the truth about your body isn’t just empowering—it’s essential to your overall health and well-being. Below, we break down some of the most common myths about vaginal health and replace them with clear, evidence-based facts.

Continue reading “Breaking Down the Myths: What You Should Know About Vaginal Health”

The Truth About Birth Control: Debunking Common Myths and Finding the Right Option for You

When it comes to birth control, misconceptions abound. From fears about weight gain to concerns about long-term fertility, many women hesitate to explore their options due to misleading information. 

The truth is, birth control is safe, effective, and comes in many forms—allowing women to choose what works best for their bodies and lifestyles! Below, we clear up some of the biggest myths and explore how to find the right birth control method for you.

Continue reading “The Truth About Birth Control: Debunking Common Myths and Finding the Right Option for You”

The Five Main Types of Gynecologic Cancers and How They’re Treated

When thinking about the main types of gynecologic cancers, the most important factor for women is to “know your normal.” Signs and symptoms can be different for each woman, so if you are aware of what is normal for you, it will be easier to spot any changes and catch problems early. With that thought in mind let’s discuss the five main types of gynecologic cancers and how they are treated.

Continue reading “The Five Main Types of Gynecologic Cancers and How They’re Treated”

12 Effective Tips for Managing Overactive Bladder

Do you find yourself locating the nearest bathroom when you are out with friends? Do you make it a habit to always use the bathroom before going anywhere? Are wearing leakproof panties now part of your daily attire? If so, you may be suffering from an overactive bladder. There is more you can do to manage this problem. Here are 12 effective tips for managing overactive bladder.

Continue reading “12 Effective Tips for Managing Overactive Bladder”

Important Update

Our Trussville location has moved! Please see our new address below and call (205) 933-8334 with any questions.

New Trussville Address:
5890 Valley Road
Suite 200
Trussville, AL 35173

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