Root Cause Weight Loss Care
Functional Medicine for Weight Loss: Finding Out Why the Scale Won't Move
Diet and exercise changes that used to work stop working, and standard advice to eat less and move more ignores the hormonal and metabolic shifts behind weight resistance. Functional medicine for weight loss tests the systems that actually control fat storage and metabolism. Julie McDonald, MMS, PA-C, FMACP, sees patients in-person in Marquette, MI and virtually in Michigan through the 12-Week Reset. The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on.
Trusted & loved by our patients.
Years of clinical experience
Beyond Calories In, Calories Out
Weight Loss Testing That Looks at Hormones and Metabolism
Persistent weight resistance is frequently driven by insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, or cortisol imbalance, not a lack of willpower. Functional medicine for weight loss evaluates these systems directly, combined with genetic testing for metabolic and fat-storage pathways. Available at our Marquette, Michigan clinic and through fully virtual consultations in Michigan.
- Comprehensive metabolic panel: fasting insulin, fasting glucose, HbA1c, and full thyroid function
- Genetic testing for metabolic rate, fat storage, and appetite regulation pathways
- InBody 570 body composition analysis to track fat, muscle, and visceral fat, not just scale weight
- Personalized nutrition and supplement protocol built around your specific labs and genetics
Is This Right for You
Functional Medicine for Weight Loss Is for People Whose Weight Doesn't Respond to Diet and Exercise Alone
Weight That Won't Move Despite Consistent Effort
When diet and exercise stop producing results, an underlying hormonal or metabolic shift is often the reason, not a lack of discipline.
Weight Gain That Started With a Life Change
Weight resistance that began around perimenopause, a pregnancy, or a stressful period often has an identifiable hormonal trigger.
Constant Sugar or Carb Cravings
Persistent cravings frequently point to insulin resistance or blood sugar swings that can be measured and corrected directly.
Weight Gain Concentrated Around the Midsection
Abdominal weight gain is strongly associated with insulin resistance and cortisol imbalance rather than overall caloric surplus alone.
Told Your Labs Are Normal Despite Weight Struggles
Standard panels often miss the fasting insulin, thyroid, and genetic factors that explain why weight loss has stalled.
Remote Patients Seeking Expert Care
We offer complete virtual weight loss care in Michigan. Lab work is coordinated locally and consultations are conducted via telehealth.
Over 22 years of medical experience ★★★★★
The Monarch FM Process
How We Approach Functional Medicine for Weight Loss at Monarch FM
Weight resistance is rarely just about food intake. Our process evaluates the hormonal and metabolic systems that control fat storage, then builds a personalized protocol around the specific pattern driving your case.
- 22 Years of Clinical Experience
- MMS | PA-C | FMACP Certified Provider
- In-Person in Marquette, MI | Virtual in Michigan
Comprehensive Metabolic and Genetic Testing
We evaluate fasting insulin, thyroid function, and cortisol, combined with genetic testing for metabolic rate and fat-storage variants.
Identifying the Root Driver
Julie McDonald determines whether insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, or hormone imbalance is the primary factor behind your weight resistance.
Personalized Nutrition and Supplement Protocol
Your protocol is built around your specific labs and genetics, addressing the actual driver rather than a generic calorie-restriction plan.
Ongoing Monitoring With Body Composition Tracking
Progress is tracked through repeat labs and InBody 570 body composition analysis, measuring fat and muscle changes, not just the number on the scale.
Why Monarch Functional Medicine
Weight Resistance Has a Cause. The Scale Isn't the Whole Story.
Most patients who come to Monarch Functional Medicine for weight loss have already tried diet and exercise changes that used to work. Related pages include insulin resistance, metabolic health, high cholesterol, and overall hormone health.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes weight resistance that doesn't respond to diet and exercise?
Persistent weight resistance is frequently driven by insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, cortisol imbalance, or hormonal shifts related to perimenopause and menopause, not a lack of effort. Functional medicine for weight loss tests these systems directly rather than defaulting to calorie restriction. At Monarch Functional Medicine, this includes comprehensive metabolic testing and genetic analysis available through the 12-Week Reset program. The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on.
How is this different from a standard weight loss program?
Most weight loss programs focus on calorie counting and exercise alone. Functional medicine for weight loss tests fasting insulin, thyroid function, cortisol, and genetic factors affecting metabolism, then builds a protocol around the specific driver in your case rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.
Can insulin resistance cause weight gain?
Yes. Insulin resistance is one of the most common and underdiagnosed drivers of weight resistance, particularly abdominal weight gain. Elevated insulin promotes fat storage and makes weight loss significantly harder until the underlying resistance is addressed.
Can I do this program virtually?
Yes. Monarch Functional Medicine offers complete virtual weight loss care in Michigan. Lab work is coordinated through a draw site near you, and all consultations are conducted via telehealth. In-person visits are only needed for on-site equipment such as the InBody 570 scanner.
How long does it take to see results?
Most patients notice changes in energy and cravings within 4 to 8 weeks, with measurable body composition changes typically visible by weeks 8 to 12 of the 12-Week Reset (The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on), tracked through repeat labs and InBody 570 measurements.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. Monarch Functional Medicine is a direct-access practice. You can book a free 15-minute strategy call directly.
What does this program cost?
The entry point is the 12-Week Energy, Hormone and Metabolism Reset (The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on), priced at $849 paid in full or three payments of $297, with lab and genetic testing available as needed.
What qualifies Julie McDonald to treat weight resistance?
Julie McDonald holds a Master of Medical Science (MMS), is a board-certified PA-C with the FMACP designation, and has 22 years of clinical experience, with metabolic and hormonal weight resistance among her core areas of focus. Learn more on the About Us page.
Patient Results
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The Monarch FM Standard
Clinical Expertise. Advanced Testing. A Protocol Built for You.
Julie McDonald is a MMS, PA-C, and FMACP with 22 years across Emergency, Family, and Internal Medicine. Monarch Functional Medicine runs the labs most providers never order, interprets them through a functional medicine lens, and builds a protocol specific to your biology. Learn more about Julie or book a free strategy call today.
Ready to Start
The Scale Isn't Broken. Your Metabolism Might Need a Closer Look.
Functional medicine for weight loss at Monarch FM tests the hormonal and metabolic systems behind weight resistance, then builds a protocol around your biology. See us in person in Marquette, MI or work with us virtually from anywhere in Michigan.
Join hundreds of patients who have reclaimed their energy, hormones, and health.
