Ignite Metabolic Weight Loss Program In Portland, Oregon

NO MORE YO-YO Dieting! Fix your biology with Functional Medicine to reset your metabolism.

At Upgrade PDX, our Medical Clinic in Portland, OR, we strive to give people sustainable long-term solutions for their health by looking at the entire picture, including optimal lab values. Many people struggle with weight due to a variety of issues such as gut health, thyroid and hormone balance, and inflammation.
Our Medical Weight Loss Program methodology in Portland, OR, to assess issues and implement long-term strategies. Treatments are individualized and could include labs, medications, hormones, peptides, and other specialized tools such as NAD+.

Metabolic Peptides

GLP1 Medications - Semaglutide

Tirzepatide

Sermorelin

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

MIC-B12 Injections

Ignite Peptide Blend

Comprehensive Assessment and Diagnostics

Biometric Analysis with SECA Scan

Our program begins with a visit to a complete Biometric analysis utilizing a SECA Scan to determine the height, weight, body mass, % of muscle, % of fat, non-muscle weight, and water. The Seca medical Body Composition Analyzer, or seca mBCA for short. It is the only body composition analyzer designed for medical use and validated against the Four Compartment Model – the gold standard for fat mass estimation.

Fat Mass / Fat-Free Mass

Skeletal Muscle Mass

VAT- Visceral Fat

Body Composition

Comprehensive Lab Testing

Then you will meet with our Provider, who will assess your needs. Labs are typically performed to include Cardio-metabolic, insulin & blood sugar, and inflammatory markers, as well as thyroid and hormones & gut testing if indicated. We may also refer you for a sleep evaluation, as even mild sleep apnea can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which alters hormones and metabolism, preventing you from losing weight.

Personalized Treatment Options

Metabolic Peptides

GLP1 Medications - Semaglutide

Tirzepatide

Sermorelin

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

MIC-B12 Injections

Ignite Peptide Blend

Metabolic Peptides

Peptides can be used to improve metabolism. Master pathways involved in food intake and metabolism can be targeted, while utilizing others such as semaglutide, can increase insulin sensitivity, as well as leveraging the growth hormone axis. Novel peptides such as MOTS-C can address mitochondrial dysfunction enhancing cellular energy. Mitochondrial dysfunction and optimization are key strategies to address all chronic disease.

GLP1 medications- Semaglutide
This is an Rx that is far different than things like phentermine. These work on key underlying metabolic pathways to support sustained weight loss. Going far beyond just weight, this class of medications regulates blood sugar, so it is also useful in insulin resistance and diabetes. It works by increasing insulin and decreasing glucagon (only when blood sugar levels are high). GLP-1s also improve muscular cellular energy metabolism by increasing the insulin sensitivity of muscle cells and regulating fat cell development. They are clinically proven to reduce inflammation markers, leading to decreased inflammatory response and oxidative stress.
Semaglutide slows how quickly food moves from the stomach to the intestines. This helps you feel full for longer by regulating sugar absorption in the intestine. The long-term effect also shifts the body's metabolic set-point (the weight your body fights to maintain) by regulating the areas of the brain to curb cravings, make you feel full faster, and increase your energy expenditure.

Tirzepatide

We also have tirzepatide, a brand new combo-class medication that was approved by the FDA in May 2022 for those with type-2 diabetes. As a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, it is the first drug of its kind. A trial reported in the New England Journal of Medicine evaluated the drug tirzepatide for the treatment of obesity or overweight among adults without diabetes. Participants experienced substantial and sustained weight loss with a weekly injection, and it was shown to improve several cardiometabolic parameters. It was ultimately shown to be more effective than semaglutide, with a lower side effect profile.

Sermorelin

Sermorelin is an analog of the endogenous (naturally occurring in the body) peptide hormone growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Sermorelin is a mimetic of GHRH and works just like endogenous GHRH: Sermorelin binds to growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors (GHRHRs) in the pituitary. This leads to the stimulation of growth hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary in a pulsatile fashion. The resulting effects of Sermorelin are derived from the natural growth hormone increases in the body. It works by improving fat burning and fat utilization by stimulating triglyceride degradation and adipocyte oxidation.
Human growth hormones also play several other important roles in the body.

Improves overall regeneration potential
Improved energy & performance
Improved muscle strength, maintenance, and growth
Improved calcium retention in the bones (bone mineral density)
Improves skin quality and collagen density
Improves sleep quality
Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Improves libido
Has neuroprotective and cognitive-promoting benefits
General anti-aging effects

One of the great advantages of Sermorelin is that, unlike injections of recombinant hGH (rhGH), Sermorelin does not degrade your own natural growth hormone production.

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Low Dose Naltrexone can modulate the immune and inflammatory system, promote proper GI motility, and help regulate appetite.
MIC-B12 Injections MIC-B12 injections are a combination of vitamins and amino acids. MIC stands for methionine, inositol, and choline. Together these support weight management and energy.

B12: B12 is the "energy vitamin"; it is known for increasing energy to prevent fatigue.
Methionine: Essential amino acid that increases metabolism and glutathione in the liver, which plays a critical defensive role against toxic compounds.
Inositol: Vitamin of the 'B' family, it acts as a mild lipotropic agent that aids methionine and choline in facilitating weight loss by redistribution of body fat. It also supports normal cell functioning and formation.
Choline: This is a major lipotropic nutrient that supports liver function. It is in the 'B' family of vitamins, necessary for fat metabolism, removes excess fat from the liver, and fights fatigue.

Together these substances metabolize fat cells and assist in the elimination of stored fat deposits in the liver and body, and may encourage fat reduction. MIC B12 shots are known to not only reduce fat but also possibly increase metabolism.

Ignite Peptide Blend

At Upgrade we offer the "Ignite" peptide blend which contains AOD 9064 / MOTs-C / Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin. This combination increases metabolism, initiates lipolysis killing fat cells, while enhancing lean muscle by increasing the natural pulse of growth hormone, reduces insulin resistance and enhances the mitochondria for cellular energy. It also helps to support bone density and cartilage repair.

Cryo Aesthetics for Weightloss

Cryo aesthetics refers to the use of cryotherapy or cold treatments in aesthetic procedures to enhance skin health, improve appearance, and address various cosmetic concerns. When used for weight loss, it primarily involves a technique known as cryolipolysis.

Cryo Aesthetics Overview

Cryotherapy: This involves exposing the skin to cold temperatures to stimulate various skin and body responses. In aesthetics, it's used for its benefits in skin tightening, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation.
Cryolipolysis: A specific application of cryotherapy, cryolipolysis is designed to target and reduce fat cells without invasive surgery.

Cryolipolysis for Weight Loss - Mechanism

Controlled Cooling: Cryolipolysis uses a device that applies controlled cooling to areas of the body with stubborn fat. The cooling is designed to freeze fat cells without harming surrounding tissues.

Fat Cell Crystallization: The fat cells exposed to cold temperatures crystallize and gradually die. These damaged fat cells are then naturally processed and eliminated by the body over time.

Procedure:

Consultation: A consultation with a provider determines if you're a good candidate for the procedure based on your goals and health.
Treatment: During the procedure, the targeted area is placed between cooling panels. The treatment typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes per area.
Post-Treatment: Most patients can resume normal activities immediately. There might be mild soreness or redness in the treated area.

Benefits:

Non-Invasive: No need for surgery or anesthesia.
Minimal Downtime: You can usually go back to regular activities right after treatment.
Targeted Fat Reduction: Helps reduce fat in specific areas that are resistant to diet and exercise.

Considerations:

Not a Weight Loss Solution: It's intended for body contouring, not for significant weight loss. It's best for reducing localized fat deposits.
Multiple Sessions: Depending on the treatment area and individual goals, more than one session may be needed.
Gradual Results: The body takes a few months to process and eliminate the treated fat cells, so results appear gradually.

Cryo aesthetics, particularly cryolipolysis, offers a non-invasive way to target and reduce localized fat, helping to contour the body and improve its overall appearance. Always consult with our qualified practitioner to discuss your goals and determine if this treatment is suitable for you.

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To find out more about the healthcare services we offer at Upgrade PDX, Portland, Oregon, call (971) 299-8530 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 1210 NW Johnson St., Portland, OR 97209.

Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.