Body-Neutral Weight & Metabolic Care
Whole-person care that is trauma-informed, and grounded in science — without shame.
Weight Management at Empowered Health DPC
If you are here, you may be feeling frustrated, hopeful, skeptical, tired of dieting, or simply ready for something different. Wherever you are in your journey, you are welcome here.
My approach to weight management is medical, compassionate, and body-neutral. That means we focus on improving your health, function, and quality of life — not chasing a number on the scale or trying to “fix” your body.
Care Philosophy
A Personal Commitment
I am continually learning and working to improve my practice style. Trauma-informed, weight-inclusive care is not a checklist — it is an ongoing commitment.
If I ever miss the mark, use language that does not feel right, or overlook something important to you, I ask for grace and welcome your feedback. Your lived experience matters, and it helps me grow as a physician.
This is collaborative care — and I am honored to walk alongside you in it.
What We Actually Work On
Your plan may include a combination of:
Metabolic assessment: labs, medication review, sleep, stress physiology
Nutrition support focused on sustainability, not crash dieting
Strength and movement tailored to your ability and preferences
Sleep optimization
Stress regulation strategies
Behavioral tools when appropriate
Medication management for obesity when indicated
Coordination of care with therapists or specialists if needed
We define success by improvements in labs, mobility, stamina, pain, energy, confidence in self-care, and long-term sustainability.
Weight change may occur. Sometimes it is significant. Sometimes modest. Sometimes not at first. Health improvements can still happen.
If weight reduction is one of your goals, we approach it medically and strategically — not emotionally.
We assess biological drivers, discuss realistic expectations, use shared decision-making, consider pharmacotherapy when appropriate, and plan for long-term maintenance from the beginning.
Even modest weight reduction can improve metabolic health. But we never reduce your entire health story to a percentage.
Health at Every Size — With Clinical Nuance
You deserve respectful, equitable care at any body size.
I strive to:
Use people-first, non-stigmatizing language
Address internalized weight bias and healthcare trauma
Focus on behaviors that improve metabolic health, strength, stamina, sleep, and mental well-being
Not equate thinness with health
At the same time, if excess adiposity is contributing to conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, joint pain, or hypertension, we address that medically — without blame.
Body Neutral > Body Positive
You do not have to love your body to care for it.
Body neutrality means:
Your worth is not determined by your weight.
Your body is not a project — it is the vehicle through which you live your life.
We focus on what your body can do and how it feels, not how it looks.
Obesity Is a Chronic Medical Condition — Not a Character Flaw
Weight regulation is influenced by genetics, neurobiology, hormones, environment, stress, sleep, medications, and lived experience. Willpower alone is not the driver.
As a Double-Boarded Physician, I follow evidence-based principles in evaluation and treatment:
Comprehensive medical evaluation
Assessment of obesity-related complications
Individualized treatment planning
Lifestyle, medication, and when appropriate, referral for procedural options
Long-term follow-up and chronic disease care
The goal is health optimization, not perfection.
Trauma-Informed Weight Care
Many people living in larger bodies have experienced:
Weight stigma or medical dismissal
Bullying or weight-based teasing
Disordered eating patterns
Chronic stress
Adverse childhood experiences
Cycles of restriction and regain
These experiences affect physiology, stress hormones, eating behaviors, and trust in healthcare.
In our visits, I practice trauma-informed care:
I ask permission before discussing weight.
We move at your pace.
We shift from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What has your body been through?”
We avoid rigid or punitive plans.
We prioritize psychological safety.
If weight conversations have felt harmful in the past, we will do this differently.
GLP-1 medicines, when they're right for you
GLP-1 medicines like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) can be powerful tools for weight and metabolic health. They work best as part of a plan, not on their own. As a doctor board certified in obesity medicine, Dr. Aliganga will:
Review your history, medicines and labs to see whether a GLP-1 is a safe fit
Start low and adjust slowly to limit side effects like nausea
Protect muscle with protein, strength and movement that fit your life
Check in often, by visit or by message, and adjust as you go
Plan for the long term from the start, including what happens if you stop
FDA-approved first
We always recommend FDA-approved GLP-1 medicines first. The FDA warns that compounded and unapproved versions aren't reviewed for safety, effectiveness or quality, and it has received reports of dosing errors and mislabeled products. If cost is a barrier, we'll talk openly about every option, including lower-cost choices, their trade-offs, and how to use your insurance if it covers these medicines.
How it works
Text or email us with your questions.
Join the practice online.
Have your first visit, usually 60 to 90 minutes, in West Deptford or Old City Philadelphia.
Get labs and a plan, then follow up as often as you need.
Common questions
Are GLP-1 medicines included in the membership?
No. Your visits and messaging are included, with no copays or per-visit fees, ever. Medicines and labs are billed separately or through your insurance and pharmacy. See rates
Do I have to take medication?
No. Many members work on nutrition, movement, sleep and stress without medicine. Medicine is one option we can discuss together.
Will you put me on a diet?
No crash diets. We focus on sustainable habits and health markers like blood sugar, blood pressure, energy and mobility, not just the scale.
Can I be seen in Philadelphia?
Yes. Weight and metabolic visits can happen at our Old City office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Philadelphia office
Ready to start, without shame?
Text "Tell me more" to 609-678-3299, or send us a message.
Text us: Tell me more · Email us
Medically reviewed by Frank Aliganga, MD, FAAFP · Last reviewed November 2026. This page is educational and isn't medical advice. Results vary.