Body & Wellness
Medical weight loss, supervised by a physician.
The best medical weight loss programs in Raleigh are not just a prescription. They are a supervised clinical protocol that pairs GLP-1 medications (semaglutide, tirzepatide) with body composition monitoring, protein-forward nutrition guidance, and a taper plan built in from day one. At La Miel Aesthetics, medical weight loss is directed by Dr. Susan Lovelle, MD.
- Physician-directed (Dr. Susan Lovelle, MD)
- Starts at $330 (consult + first month)
- Body composition tracking
- Nutrition guidance
- Bilingual care
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Susan Lovelle, MD, Medical Director, La Miel Aesthetics. Adriana Sandoval Veliz, RN, MSN, contributed clinical input. Last reviewed: .
What this is
What GLP-1 medications actually do
Semaglutide (the active compound in Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) belong to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Tirzepatide also targets a second receptor, GIP. They work by mimicking naturally occurring hormones that regulate hunger, blood sugar, and gastric emptying. For most patients, that translates to reduced appetite and food preoccupation, longer feelings of fullness after eating, steady gradual weight loss (typically 1 to 3 pounds per week at therapeutic dose), and improved blood sugar regulation.
These medications are effective. They have also been over-prescribed and under-supervised across the country, with predictable consequences: muscle loss, nutritional deficits, gallbladder issues, rapid rebound when patients stop, and in some cases disordered eating patterns once appetite returns. None of that is the medication’s fault. It is the supervision (or lack of it).
At La Miel
How our program is different
Six pieces, all built in. Skip any one of them and the program becomes the kind of GLP-1 service patients have been getting from telehealth subscriptions, and the outcomes show it.
Real medical screening
Before we prescribe, we run a full intake: medical history, medications, prior weight loss attempts, lab work when needed, baseline body composition. Not everyone is a good candidate. A responsible program screens out patients with contraindications (personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, MEN2, active pancreatitis, severe GI disease, pregnancy, and others) before writing a prescription.
Supervised titration
GLP-1 medications are titrated, meaning you start at a low dose and increase gradually to manage side effects (nausea, constipation, fatigue). We set your titration schedule based on how your body responds, not a one-size-fits-all calendar. We are also available between appointments if something is not working.
Body composition, not just weight
The scale cannot tell you whether you are losing fat or muscle. We track body composition so you know what is actually happening to your body. If you are losing too much muscle, we adjust the plan (more protein, resistance training recommendations, dose adjustment).
Protein-forward nutrition guidance
The single biggest mistake patients make on GLP-1 medications is not eating enough protein. Reduced appetite makes it easy to under-eat, and chronic under-eating leads to muscle loss that sabotages long-term results. Our program includes guidance on hitting a realistic daily protein target, micronutrient adequacy, and hydration.
A taper plan, from day one
One of the biggest risks with GLP-1 therapy is going off the medication abruptly and rebounding. Our program includes a built-in taper plan so when you reach your goal weight (or when you are ready to stop), we reduce your dose systematically while reinforcing the nutrition and lifestyle changes that keep weight off.
Physician access
Dr. Lovelle is the physician of record. That matters for prescribing, for managing any issues that arise, and for the kind of clinical judgment you do not get from a tele-health subscription service.
Ready to start?
A consultation tells us what your skin needs. It takes under an hour.
What to expect
Typical program timeline
A real program runs across twelve months and then continues into supervised maintenance. The first month is intake and titration. The middle months are steady-state. The last months are taper and habit reinforcement. Anyone selling you a 30-day GLP-1 result is selling you the medication, not the outcome.
Month 1: Intake & starting dose
Lab work if needed, baseline body composition, starting dose. First follow-up at week 3 to 4.
Months 2 to 3: Titration to therapeutic dose
Weight loss typically becomes visible in this window. Body composition rechecked around month three.
Months 4 to 8: Steady-state
Most patients reach 80 percent of their goal in this window. Ongoing nutrition support.
Months 9 to 12: Approach to goal
Begin taper planning. Transition toward maintenance protocol.
After goal: Supervised taper
Usually two to four months, with continued nutrition and lifestyle support. Patients who follow the full program typically maintain results long-term.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Most patients lose between 3 and 8 pounds in the first month on semaglutide while dosing is titrated, then settle into steady loss of 1 to 3 pounds per week at therapeutic dose, with an average total of around 15 percent of body weight over 12 months. Most patients lose between 3 and 8 pounds in the first month, though some lose more and some less. Weight loss is typically slower in the first month because dosing is still being titrated to reach a therapeutic level. Once at therapeutic dose (usually months 2 to 3), steady loss of 1 to 3 pounds per week is typical. Clinical trials show an average total weight loss of around 15 percent of starting body weight over 12 months on semaglutide, and 20 to 22 percent on tirzepatide.
Ready to map your plan?
Tell us what you would like to address. We will recommend a sequence that actually fits your skin, your anatomy, and your timeline.
Ready When You Are
Two ways to start: book the specific treatment you came for, or book a consultation and we will build your plan together.
Mon 10 to 8, Wed to Fri 10 to 5, Sat 9 to 2. Closed Tue and Sun.
7718 Six Forks Road, Suite 106, Raleigh, NC 27615