Last spring, I realized I had reached the highest weight I’ve ever been despite micro-dosing hormones, counting macros for the entire year prior, getting my daily steps in, and staying on point with hydration.
I even had to go on a mission to buy new jeans at our local Fleet Farm after my old standbys ripped when I tried to put them on.
So much for a winter of sweat and yoga pants.
As if the weight gain wasn’t enough, the sciatica in my right leg from an old back injury flared up like a monster on fire in my right hip.
Just like so many of my clients, I thought, I’m doing all the things, what the heck? (Though, if I’m honest, “WTF” was flashing in my mind like a red neon sign on a bar in the middle of nowhere.)
I never wanted to age like my mother, yet there I was spiraling into old, disordered thoughts.
What if I just stopped eating?
Maybe I need to cut out all the fat, dairy, gluten, sugar?
Maybe I should train for a marathon?
All the thoughts I believed I’d left behind were suddenly right there again.
After a brisk walk with Brygy, our Golden Retriever, I realized I had an option.
Try something completely different.
I knew HRT didn’t automatically equal weight loss or metabolic rejuvenation like so many people claim.
I’d been prescribing GLP-1 peptides to clients regularly.
I’d personally used peptides for pain, energy, and cognitive function on and off for years.
So why wasn’t I thinking about them as a way to reboot my metabolism?
I went on a mission this year to see what peptides, organ supplements, and bioregulators could teach me about metabolism and energy.
I started with desiccated adrenal and liver supplements, assuming my weight issues were tied to exhaustion long workdays layered on top of heavy periods that lasted 60+ days, stopped for two weeks, then returned again.
They helped bring my energy back, but once my cycle regulated to its usual flow, the liver supplement made me feel sick. I ditched it and kept the adrenal support.
The weight didn’t budge.
Because my pain had become a daily issue disrupting sleep and limiting my workouts.
I decided to try BPC-157 + TB-500 (the “Wolverine Blend”) again.
They helped… somewhat.
Then I paired a micro-dose of tirzepatide, injected specifically into acupuncture points to support digestive function, with the Wolverine Blend and suddenly the weight started coming off. Not fast, but steady.
A win and a massive lesson in blind spots.
Because Tirzepatide quiets the food chatter in your brain and slows digestion, it interrupts stress eating and unconscious overeating.
If you pay attention, Tirzepatide will teach you what you weren’t seeing in your internal dialogue around food.
That insight is what inspired me to develop a tool that blends peptides with Chinese Medicine opening a learning process to help rewire the nervous system.
Full disclosure: during this same time, I also completed a 21-day Standard Process cleanse, added Perfect Hydration electrolytes + vitamin drink, took a deep dive into nervous system regulation, and used red light therapy, castor oil packs, and abdominal massage to calm my bloating.
When things finally began to move, it hit me how powerful inflammation reduction truly is not just for the gut, but for the nervous system as well.
A client once told me, “I just need a win, doc…something or I’ll give up on this weight loss journey.”
I didn’t fully understand that until this year.
Peptides for weight loss are often marketed as a quick fix, but they can be profound teachers if you’re open to observing.
The same is true for peptides that support pain relief and restore the brain-body connection.
If you’re curious about the tools I’m creating, join my Over-40 Health Optimization Community waitlist. (click HERE)
And after a recent email from a client reminding me that there’s a vitamin you’re all familiar with, one that may help your HRT (hormone replacement therapy) and peptide replacement work better and finally help you drop stubborn belly fat…I realized I need to tell you about that next.
Here’s to feeling better in your body,
Dr. J
PS: Dec 29th at 4p PST/6p CT I’m hosting a free masterclass on How to Restore Your Energy and Metabolism to Age Well in 2026 & Beyond. You’ll leave this masterclass with clarity on your next steps. Click the link HERE to register and get a replay.
