Weight Loss & Hormones in Centennial, CO

Jessica Lara, PA-C

Jessica Lara, PA-C

Clinical Director & Co-Founder, Defiance Health

Centennial, CO — Near Denver Tech Center

Medical Weight Loss & Hormone Therapy in Centennial, CO

Personalized semaglutide, tirzepatide, and bioidentical hormone therapy with in-person provider care — not a telehealth-only program.

Book a Free Consultation

Or call: (303) 284-4210

Medical weight loss is a physician- or provider-supervised approach to weight management that uses FDA-approved medications like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), combined with lab monitoring, nutritional guidance, and ongoing clinical support. At Defiance Health in Centennial, CO, medical weight loss programs are customized to each patient and often integrated with hormone optimization for more comprehensive results.
15–20% Avg Body Weight Loss
2 CO Locations
12+ Yrs Clinical Experience
HSA/FSA Accepted

Why Centennial Residents Choose Defiance Health

If you live or work near the Denver Tech Center, you've probably seen telehealth weight loss ads promising easy prescriptions shipped to your door. Those programs can work for some people — but they're missing something important: a provider who actually knows you.

At Defiance Health, you see the same provider every visit. Jessica Lara, PA-C has over 12 years of clinical experience and specializes in the overlap between hormone health and weight management — two systems most telehealth programs treat separately, if they address hormones at all.

Our Centennial office is located at 7354 S Alton Way, Suite 102 — right off I-25 and Dry Creek Road, less than 10 minutes from the Denver Tech Center, Greenwood Village, and most of South Metro Denver.

What Makes Us Different

  • In-person provider relationship — not a rotating cast of telehealth doctors
  • Combined hormone optimization + weight loss (most clinics only offer one)
  • Comprehensive lab work before and during treatment
  • Same-provider continuity — Jessica manages your care from day one
  • Cash-pay practice — no insurance red tape, no prior authorizations
  • HSA and FSA accepted for all services

Medical Weight Loss Programs at Our Centennial Clinic

We offer two FDA-approved GLP-1 medications for weight loss, both prescribed and monitored in-house. Your treatment plan is built around your lab results, health history, and goals — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Semaglutide (GLP-1)

The same active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. Works by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. Most patients lose 15–20% of their body weight over 6–12 months with consistent dosing and provider support.

Tirzepatide (Dual GLP-1/GIP)

The active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound. Targets two hormones instead of one, which clinical trials show produces greater average weight loss than semaglutide alone. A strong option if you've plateaued on other programs.

Lab Monitoring

We run comprehensive panels before starting treatment and at regular intervals throughout your program — thyroid, metabolic markers, hormones, and more. Medication adjustments are always based on data, not guesswork.

Nutritional Guidance

Medication creates the window — but sustainable habits keep the weight off. We provide practical nutritional support designed to work with your GLP-1 therapy, not against it.

Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide: Quick Comparison

Factor Semaglutide Tirzepatide
MechanismGLP-1 receptor agonistDual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist
Avg Weight Loss15–17% body weight20–25% body weight
DosingWeekly injectionWeekly injection
FDA ApprovedYes (Wegovy for weight loss)Yes (Zepbound for weight loss)
Best ForMost patients new to GLP-1 therapyPatients seeking maximum loss or who've plateaued
Common Side EffectsNausea, constipation (typically temporary)Similar profile — nausea, GI symptoms
Available at Defiance HealthYesYes

Not sure which is right for you? That's exactly what the initial consultation is for. Jessica will review your labs, health history, and goals to recommend the best fit — and you can always switch if your body responds differently than expected. Learn more about managing GLP-1 side effects.

The Hormone-Weight Loss Connection Most Clinics Miss

Why Hormones Matter for Weight Loss

Here's something most weight loss clinics won't tell you: if your hormones are off, medication alone may not get you the results you're expecting. Thyroid dysfunction, low testosterone, estrogen imbalance, and elevated cortisol can all sabotage weight loss — even with GLP-1 therapy.

At Defiance Health, we assess your hormone status as part of your intake. If optimization would help your results, we integrate bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) into your weight loss plan. This combined approach is one of the biggest reasons patients choose us over telehealth-only programs.

Who Benefits Most from Combined Programs?

  • Women in perimenopause or menopause experiencing weight gain, especially around the midsection, despite diet and exercise
  • Men with low testosterone noticing increased belly fat, fatigue, and declining muscle mass
  • Anyone with thyroid dysfunction — even subclinical hypothyroidism can slow metabolism significantly
  • Patients who've tried GLP-1 alone and hit a plateau before reaching their goal
  • People with high stress levels — elevated cortisol drives fat storage and cravings

Not everyone needs hormone therapy alongside their weight loss program. But knowing whether your hormones are helping or hurting your progress is always valuable information. Learn more about BHRT safety and research.

What to Expect: Your Weight Loss Timeline

Every patient is different, but here's a general timeline for what most people experience in our medical weight loss program. Your provider adjusts the plan at each visit based on how your body is responding.

1

Initial Consultation (Week 1)

Comprehensive health history, lab work, body composition baseline, and a conversation about your goals and previous attempts. We discuss medication options and build your personalized plan. Here's what to bring and expect.

2

Starting Treatment (Weeks 1–4)

Your first medication dose at our Centennial office. We start at a low dose and titrate up gradually to minimize side effects. You'll notice appetite changes within the first 1–2 weeks. Some patients lose 3–5 lbs in the first month.

3

Building Momentum (Months 2–3)

Weight loss accelerates as your body adjusts to therapeutic dosing. Side effects typically diminish. You'll check in with Jessica for dose adjustments, lab monitoring, and nutritional support. Most patients are down 8–15 lbs by month 3.

4

Peak Results (Months 3–6)

This is where significant transformation happens. New habits are established, energy is up, and confidence is growing. Follow-up appointments may space out as your program stabilizes.

5

Maintenance & Long-Term Success (6+ Months)

Transition to a maintenance dose or taper off medication as appropriate. The goal isn't lifelong medication — it's using the tools available to reset your body's set point and build sustainable habits. Ongoing support is available as long as you need it.

Our Centennial Location

Defiance Health — Centennial

7354 S Alton Way, Suite 102
Centennial, CO 80112

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: (303) 284-4210

Book Your Consultation

Serving the South Metro Denver Area

Our Centennial clinic is conveniently located just off I-25 and Dry Creek Road, with easy access from across South Metro Denver. We regularly see patients from:

Centennial Denver Tech Center Greenwood Village Parker Littleton Highlands Ranch Lone Tree Aurora (South) Englewood Castle Rock

We also have a second location in Alamosa, CO (315 Edison Ave, Suite B) serving the San Luis Valley, and offer telehealth across Colorado, Arizona, California, and Washington for follow-up visits.

Payment & Insurance

Defiance Health is a cash-pay practice. That means no insurance billing, no prior authorizations, and no surprise bills. You know exactly what your program costs before you start.

  • HSA & FSA accepted — medical weight loss and hormone therapy are both eligible expenses. Learn how to use your HSA/FSA here.
  • CareCredit & Cherry financing available for monthly payment plans
  • Cash, card, and check accepted

For a full breakdown of what's included, visit our pricing and payment page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will I see weight loss results?
Most patients notice reduced appetite within the first 1–2 weeks and measurable weight loss within the first month. Significant results — 10–15% of body weight — typically occur over 3–6 months with consistent treatment and follow-up. Your provider adjusts dosing based on your response at each visit.
Does insurance cover semaglutide or tirzepatide at your Centennial clinic?
Defiance Health is a cash-pay practice, so we don't bill insurance directly. However, your HSA or FSA can be used toward medical weight loss services. We provide itemized receipts that you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many patients find this faster and simpler than fighting prior authorizations.
Can I work in the Denver Tech Center and still make appointments?
Absolutely. Our Centennial office is less than 10 minutes from the Denver Tech Center, and appointments are typically 15–30 minutes. Many of our patients schedule during lunch or on their way home from work. We're open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Is it safe to combine hormone therapy with weight loss medication?
Yes — in fact, addressing both hormones and weight simultaneously often produces better results than treating either one alone. Our providers assess your hormone levels as part of intake and only recommend BHRT if it would meaningfully support your weight loss goals. Learn more in our guide to BHRT safety.
What if I've tried other weight loss programs and they didn't work?
Most of our patients have tried other approaches before coming to us — diets, exercise programs, even other GLP-1 prescriptions from telehealth services. The difference is comprehensive care: we look at the full picture including hormones, thyroid function, and metabolic markers. A medication-only approach misses the root causes that may be working against you.
How often will I need to come to the Centennial office?
During the first 2–3 months, most patients come in every 2–4 weeks for dose adjustments and monitoring. As your program stabilizes, visits typically space out to once a month or less. Follow-up visits can also be done via telehealth if you prefer after the initial in-person phase.
What happens after I reach my goal weight?
We don't just get you to your goal and disappear. Your provider will work with you on a maintenance plan — which may include a lower medication dose, continued hormone optimization, and ongoing nutritional support. The goal is to help your body maintain its new set point without relying on medication indefinitely.
Do you treat men and women?
Yes. Our medical weight loss and hormone therapy programs are designed for both men and women. Hormonal factors affecting weight — including testosterone, estrogen, thyroid, and cortisol — differ between men and women, and we customize treatment accordingly.

Ready to Start?

Book a free consultation at our Centennial clinic. We'll review your health history, discuss your goals, and build a plan that actually works for your body.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Or call: (303) 284-4210
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