A Root-Cause, Hormone-Based Approach to Sustainable Weight Loss
At The Hormone Upgrade in La Jolla, San Diego, we offer a medically guided weight loss program that goes far beyond diet and exercise. Our approach combines hormone optimization, nutrient injections, peptides, targeted nutraceuticals, and, when appropriate, pharmaceuticals to help you lose weight effectively—while restoring energy, metabolic health, and long-term balance.
If you’ve been struggling with weight despite doing “all the right things,” we help you uncover the real reasons your body is holding on to excess fat—and create a path to sustainable transformation.
What Makes Our Weight Loss Program Different?
Unlike conventional weight loss programs that focus only on calories and willpower, we take a functional medicine approach to identify and correct hidden barriers that sabotage results—such as:
- Hormonal imbalances (thyroid, insulin, cortisol, estrogen, testosterone)
- Sluggish metabolism
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Insulin resistance
- Chronic inflammation
- Stress and poor sleep
- Gut and liver dysfunction
Using a combination of advanced lab testing and individualized protocols, we create a comprehensive plan to reset your metabolism and support fat loss from the inside out.
What’s Included in Our Weight Loss Strategy
Hormone Balancing
We optimize hormones like insulin, cortisol, thyroid, estrogen, and testosterone to restore metabolic efficiency and fat-burning capability.
Nutrient Injections
Targeted injections—such as B12, MIC (Methionine, Inositol, Choline), and L-carnitine—boost energy, fat metabolism, and cellular detoxification.
Peptide Therapy
Peptides like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide can support appetite control, insulin sensitivity, and fat loss while preserving muscle mass.
Nutraceuticals
Medical-grade supplements are used to support detox, inflammation reduction, blood sugar regulation, and energy production.
Pharmaceuticals (if needed)
In select cases, we incorporate prescription weight loss medications or GLP-1 agonists to help jumpstart fat loss under close supervision.
Lifestyle Coaching
We provide personalized guidance in nutrition, fitness, sleep, and stress management to ensure your results are sustainable—not short-term.
Why Choose The Hormone Upgrade in La Jolla?
Deborah Wainwright, DNP, ANP-BC, APRN, brings over a decade of experience helping men and women achieve real, lasting weight loss through root-cause medicine. At The Hormone Upgrade, you’re not getting a one-size-fits-all program—you’re getting a medically backed plan tailored to your body, labs, lifestyle, and goals.
What sets us apart:
- Advanced hormone and metabolic testing
- Personalized protocols based on root cause, not guesswork
- Expertise in functional medicine and hormone optimization
- Access to cutting-edge therapies like peptides and nutrient injections
- One-on-one care in a boutique La Jolla setting
- Focus on sustainable, long-term health
Frequently Asked Questions
Hormones like insulin, cortisol, estrogen, thyroid, and testosterone directly impact metabolism, fat storage, hunger, and energy. We test and rebalance them to support efficient weight loss.
These are GLP-1 receptor agonists that help control appetite, improve insulin sensitivity, and support significant fat loss. Many of our La Jolla patients use them successfully as part of a broader plan.
Yes. Our injections are medical-grade and tailored to your needs. They support fat metabolism, energy production, and detox pathways to complement your weight loss efforts.
No extreme dieting required. We provide a realistic nutrition framework focused on metabolic health, blood sugar control, and anti-inflammatory foods—customized to your lifestyle.
Most patients notice improved energy, better digestion, and initial fat loss within the first few weeks. Results build over time as hormones and metabolism stabilize.
Some labs or medications may be eligible for reimbursement or HSA/FSA use. Our team can provide supporting documents for out-of-network claims.