When it comes to losing weight, many individuals find themselves struggling despite their best efforts. They work out, eat right, and even cut back on calories, but the scale doesn’t budge. This is often referred to as weight resistance — a frustrating barrier that seems to stand between you and your ideal body weight. But why does this happen, and more importantly, how can functional medicine help overcome it?

In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind weight resistance and show how functional medicine can provide a more personalized, holistic approach to addressing the underlying causes of your weight challenges.

What Is Weight Resistance?

Weight resistance refers to the phenomenon when your body resists losing weight despite following conventional methods like dieting and exercising. It’s not just about willpower; there are a number of internal factors that may be at play, causing your body to hold onto excess fat even when you’re doing everything "right."

Common signs of weight resistance include:

Persistent weight gain or inability to lose weight

Difficulty losing belly fat

Plateaus after initial weight loss

Increased cravings for unhealthy foods

Hormonal imbalances and fatigue

These struggles can be especially discouraging because you may feel like you’re doing all the right things but aren’t seeing the results you expect.

Common Causes of Weight Resistance

Hormonal Imbalances Hormones are key players in regulating metabolism, hunger, and fat storage. Hormonal imbalances are one of the leading causes of weight resistance. Conditions like hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can all disrupt your body’s ability to burn fat efficiently. For example:

Thyroid issues can cause a sluggish metabolism, making it harder to burn calories.

Insulin resistance can make it difficult to shed fat and lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.

Cortisol (stress hormone) imbalances can lead to cravings for sugar and fat, contributing to weight gain and fat retention.

Gut Health Issues The state of your gut can significantly affect your weight. An imbalance in gut bacteria, also known as dysbiosis, can impact digestion, nutrient absorption, and fat storage. A compromised gut can also influence hunger hormones, leading to overeating or cravings for unhealthy foods.

Chronic Inflammation Chronic inflammation is linked to obesity and metabolic disorders. Inflammatory responses can lead to insulin resistance, reduced fat burning, and increased fat storage, all of which contribute to weight resistance. Conditions such as autoimmune diseases, food sensitivities, and environmental toxins can drive inflammation in the body.

Sleep Deprivation Poor sleep and insufficient rest can significantly hinder weight loss efforts. Sleep is crucial for regulating hunger hormones like ghrelin (which increases appetite) and leptin (which signals fullness). Lack of sleep can also impair your ability to metabolize food properly, leading to increased fat storage.

Toxic Load and Environmental Factors Environmental toxins, such as heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, and chemicals found in food and cleaning products, can disrupt hormonal balance and metabolism. These toxins can also cause your body to hold onto fat as a way of storing and neutralizing harmful substances.

How Functional Medicine Can Help Overcome Weight Resistance

Functional medicine takes a holistic approach to weight loss by identifying and addressing the root causes of weight resistance, rather than simply focusing on diet and exercise. This approach looks at the whole person — including genetics, lifestyle, environment, and physiology — to develop a personalized plan for healing.

Here’s how functional medicine can help:

Comprehensive Hormonal Evaluation Functional medicine practitioners can assess and evaluate your hormones through blood, saliva, or urine tests to identify imbalances. Whether it’s thyroid hormones, insulin, cortisol, or estrogen, understanding your hormone levels allows for targeted interventions. For example, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) or thyroid support supplements may be recommended to help restore balance and support weight loss.

Gut Health Optimization Since gut health plays such a pivotal role in weight management, functional medicine practitioners often recommend specialized testing (e.g., stool tests, breath tests) to identify imbalances in gut flora or the presence of infections. If necessary, they can guide you through gut-healing protocols such as dietary changes (e.g., the low FODMAP diet or elimination diet) and the use of probiotics and prebiotics to restore a healthy microbiome.

Reducing Inflammation Functional medicine practitioners focus on reducing systemic inflammation through targeted approaches like anti-inflammatory diets (e.g., Whole30, Paleo, or Mediterranean diet), nutritional supplements (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, and curcumin), and lifestyle modifications such as stress reduction practices (e.g., yoga, meditation) and sleep optimization techniques.

Customized Nutrition Plans Rather than recommending generic diets, functional medicine takes an individualized approach to nutrition. By identifying food sensitivities or allergies (through lab testing), practitioners can guide you to eliminate problematic foods that may be causing inflammation or disrupting your metabolism. A personalized nutrition plan that includes nutrient-dense foods tailored to your needs can significantly improve your metabolism and promote fat loss.

Detoxification and Toxin Removal Environmental toxins can be a major contributor to weight resistance. Functional medicine emphasizes detoxification strategies, including the use of detox diets, sauna therapy, and specific supplements (e.g., milk thistle, activated charcoal) to help support your liver and other detox organs. By reducing your toxic load, your body can more effectively release stored fat.

Stress and Sleep Management Functional medicine practitioners often guide clients in managing stress and improving sleep hygiene. Since chronic stress and poor sleep can significantly hinder weight loss, interventions might include lifestyle changes, herbal supplements (e.g., ashwagandha or melatonin), and relaxation techniques (e.g., breathing exercises or mindfulness practices) to promote restful sleep and a balanced stress response.

In Conclusion

Weight resistance is a complex issue that goes beyond simply counting calories or spending hours at the gym. It often involves deeper underlying factors like hormonal imbalances, gut health issues, inflammation, and environmental toxins. By addressing these root causes, functional medicine offers a personalized and holistic approach to achieving long-term weight loss and overall health.

If you're struggling with weight resistance, functional medicine could provide the answers you're seeking. Through comprehensive testing, targeted interventions, and lifestyle modifications, functional medicine practitioners help you understand and address the factors that may be sabotaging your weight loss efforts. If you’re ready to break through the weight loss plateau and start feeling better, functional medicine may be the solution you’ve been searching for.

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Your gut is more than just a place where food goes to get digested—it’s a powerhouse that plays a role in everything from your mood to your immune system, and yes, even your weight. But here’s the thing: most people don’t think much about gut health until something goes wrong, like bloating, indigestion, or those pesky “what did I eat?” moments.

But what if I told you that your answers to feeling better, looking better, and living better might just lie within your gut? And what if, instead of relying on conventional medicine that often just focuses on treating symptoms, you could uncover the root cause of your digestive struggles and overall health issues with a personalized plan from a Functional Nurse Practitioner? It’s like a treasure hunt inside your body, and the best part is—you have the map.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Why Gut Health is So Important (and How It’s Probably Not Just About What You Eat)

We’ve all heard the saying, "You are what you eat," right? Well, let’s take it a step further and say, “You are how your body processes what you eat!” Enter your gut microbiome—a bustling community of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that live inside your intestines. In fact, it’s estimated that your gut has more than 100 trillion microbes! That’s more than the number of stars in the Milky Way. No big deal, right?

These little guys aren’t just hanging out there doing nothing. They help break down food, produce vitamins, support your immune system, and even affect your mood. If your gut is out of balance—say, with an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or not enough of the good stuff—you might experience all kinds of symptoms: bloating, fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, and even unexplained weight gain.

But here’s the kicker—traditional medicine often doesn’t dig deep enough to figure out what’s actually going on in your gut. Sure, they might prescribe medication to mask the symptoms, but that doesn’t solve the root problem. That’s where functional medicine comes in.

How a Functional Nurse Practitioner Can Help (Beyond Just Medication)

If you’ve tried everything—cutting out gluten, reducing sugar, drinking more water—and still can’t figure out why you feel sluggish or have that nagging gut discomfort, it’s time to think outside the conventional box. This is where functional medicine (and a functional nurse practitioner) comes to the rescue. Here’s how we do things differently:

We Don’t Just Mask Symptoms—We Find the Root Cause: Traditional medicine is great at putting band-aids on things, but it often doesn’t ask, “Why is this happening in the first place?” In functional medicine, we dig deeper to uncover the root cause of your gut issues—whether it's a bacterial imbalance, food sensitivities, or even hidden inflammation.

Personalized Testing for Real Answers: With functional medicine, we don’t just guess. We use advanced testing (such as stool tests, food sensitivity panels, and gut microbiome assessments) to get a detailed picture of what’s really going on in your digestive system. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s about what’s happening specifically in your body.

A Holistic Approach: Gut health is connected to so many other areas of your well-being—your immune system, your hormones, and even your mental health! A functional nurse practitioner looks at your whole body to make sure we’re treating every part of you, not just addressing a single issue. We’ll work on balancing your gut, but also improving your sleep, managing stress, and supporting your overall health.

Lifestyle Changes That Stick: Say goodbye to the "quick fix" mindset. In functional medicine, we’re all about sustainable change. We’ll work with you to create a personalized plan that focuses on diet, lifestyle, and stress management—because your gut health isn’t just about what you eat, but how you live your life.

Why Taking the Leap is Worth It

So, you might be wondering, "This all sounds great, but how do I get started?" Well, my friend, the first step is taking the leap. That’s right—your gut health journey begins with signing up and taking action. It’s time to stop guessing and start knowing.

Here’s the fun part: you don’t have to navigate this alone. As a functional nurse practitioner, I’m here to guide you through every step of the process. We’ll work together to uncover what’s really going on inside your gut and create a roadmap to better health. Whether it’s a personalized supplement plan, gut-healing foods, or stress reduction techniques, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to get started? It’s time to give your gut the love and attention it deserves. Click that Get Relief Now button, and let’s make this the start of your health transformation! Your answers are waiting inside you—you just need the right guidance to find them.

Wrapping It Up

Gut health might sound like a small part of the puzzle, but trust me, it’s the key to unlocking the best version of yourself. Whether you’re dealing with bloating, fatigue, skin problems, or just want to feel better overall, functional medicine offers a fresh, personalized perspective to help you achieve your health goals.

So, if you’ve been struggling with your gut health and haven’t found lasting answers, it’s time to try something new. Functional medicine isn’t about masking your symptoms—it’s about solving the puzzle of what’s really going on inside. All it takes is a leap of faith (and clicking that sign-up button) to begin the journey toward feeling your best.

Your gut will thank you. And so will your body, mind, and spirit.

Summer sunshine should be healing—not harmful. While sun protection is essential, many conventional sunscreens contain ingredients that can disrupt hormones, irritate the skin, and harm marine ecosystems. At Fully Functional Medicine, we’re passionate about educating you on safe, effective ways to care for your body—inside and out. That’s why today we're diving into sunscreen: what to avoid, what to look for, and our favorite clean, mineral-based alternatives.

Why Sunscreen Matters

Daily sun protection helps prevent:

Premature aging

Hyperpigmentation

Skin cancer

Inflammation and oxidative stress (especially important if you're healing your gut or working on hormonal balance)

But not all sunscreens are created equal.

Ingredients to Avoid in Conventional Sunscreens

These common ingredients may do more harm than good:

1. Oxybenzone

Linked to hormone disruption

Common cause of allergic skin reactions

Damaging to coral reefs

2. Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate)

Another endocrine disruptor

Absorbs into the skin and bloodstream

Harmful to marine life

3. Homosalate

Breaks down into toxic byproducts

May interfere with hormone function

4. Fragrance (Parfum)

Can hide dozens of chemical ingredients

Common trigger for skin irritation and headaches

5. Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate)

Can become unstable in the sun and potentially cause skin damage

What to Look for Instead

Choose sunscreens that:

Use non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection

Are reef-safe

Contain organic, plant-based ingredients

Are fragrance-free or use natural essential oils in small amounts

Angela’s Approved Sunscreens (Clean + Effective)

Here are my top functional medicine-approved sunscreen picks—great for the whole family and all skin types. These are sold on Amazon, so you can get them quickly and easily (affiliate links included to support my practice at no cost to you):

☀️ Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+

Mineral-based (non-nano zinc)

Water-resistant

EWG-rated as one of the safest options

🌿 Badger SPF 30 Clear Zinc Sunscreen

Certified organic ingredients

Biodegradable, reef-friendly

Unscented and gentle for sensitive skin

🧴 Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray SPF 30

Convenient spray option without harmful propellants

Aloe and sunflower oil soothe the skin

🧑‍🍼 Blue Lizard Australian Baby SPF 30+

Trusted for babies and those with reactive skin

Color-changing cap reminds you when UV rays are high

Tips for Safe Sun Exposure

Apply sunscreen 15–30 minutes before sun exposure

Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating

Use hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing when possible

Get morning sun (before 10 AM) for vitamin D without overexposure

The Functional Medicine Approach

Healthy sun habits are just one part of whole-body wellness. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and detox pathway health all play a role in how your skin responds to the sun. A personalized approach, rooted in your labs, lifestyle, and nutrient status, helps protect your skin from the inside out.

If you're ready to take a deeper dive into your body’s healing journey, schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about our functional medicine approach.

In Summary:
Protecting your skin from the sun doesn’t mean compromising your health. By choosing mineral-based sunscreens and avoiding harmful ingredients, you can guard against sun damage and support your body’s natural healing processes.

For more clean living tips and wellness support, join our email list or follow along on Instagram.

To your radiant health,
Angela McGirk, FNP
Fully Functional Medicine, PLLC

Warm weather invites us outdoors—but it also invites mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. While conventional bug sprays may offer protection, they often contain harsh chemicals like DEET and synthetic fragrances that can burden the body—especially for those dealing with immune, detox, or hormonal imbalances.

At Fully Functional Medicine, we believe protection shouldn’t come at the expense of your long-term health. Here’s what you need to know about conventional insect repellents, which ingredients to avoid, and which natural alternatives are both safe and effective.

Why This Matters

Mosquito and tick bites aren’t just annoying—they can carry serious diseases like Lyme, West Nile Virus, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Protection is essential, especially for kids, pets, and those spending time in wooded or grassy areas.

But here’s the catch: what you put on your skin absorbs directly into your bloodstream. That’s why we recommend clean, plant-based repellents that actually work—without disrupting your body’s systems.

Ingredients to Avoid in Conventional Bug Sprays

DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)

Linked to skin irritation, neurotoxicity, and hormone disruption

Can melt plastic—imagine what it does to your skin barrier

Permethrin

A synthetic insecticide

Often used on clothing and gear but may be neurotoxic with long-term exposure

Synthetic Fragrances

May contain phthalates (linked to hormone disruption)

Can trigger headaches, skin reactions, and respiratory issues

Functional, Family-Safe Alternatives

These natural bug sprays use essential oils like citronella, lemon eucalyptus, cedarwood, and geranium—proven to repel insects without the toxic load.

Here are my personal recommendations available on Amazon (affiliate links included):

Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent

DEET-free but CDC-recognized for repelling mosquitoes

Plant-based, pleasant scent

Lasts up to 6 hours

BuzzAway Extreme Natural Insect Repellent

Great for families and outdoor adventures

Uses citronella, geranium, peppermint, and lemongrass

Up to 4 hours of protection

Cedarcide Original Tick & Insect Repellent Spray

Particularly good for ticks

Non-toxic and safe for daily use

Cedarwood oil based

Bonus Protection: Clothing + Essential Oils

For extra tick protection:

Spray repellent on shoes, socks, and pant legs

Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily

Do a full-body tick check after hikes or time in tall grass

Add a few drops of geranium or rose geranium essential oil to your wrists and ankles—ticks hate it!

You can find high-quality essential oils and roller bottles on Amazon too:

Geranium Essential Oil – USDA Organic

Amber Glass Roller Bottles – 10-pack

Functional Medicine Perspective

Those with liver congestion, methylation issues, or hormonal imbalances are often more sensitive to chemical exposure—including what's in their bug spray. Clean alternatives help reduce your toxic burden, support detox pathways, and still let you enjoy the outdoors safely.

If you or your children are particularly sensitive to insect bites or show signs of inflammation afterward, it may be worth looking into deeper immune or histamine imbalances. Schedule a 15-minute consultation to learn how we can help.

Recap: What to Look For in a Safe Bug Spray

✅ Plant-based ingredients
✅ DEET- and permethrin-free
✅ Non-GMO, fragrance-free, and tested for safety
✅ Proven effectiveness with essential oils like lemon eucalyptus, citronella, and cedarwood

Don’t let bugs keep you inside—or toxins weigh you down.
With clean, functional options, you can protect your body from bites and from chemical exposure all at once.

For more toxin-free living tips, download our Natural Summer Essentials Guide or follow along on Instagram!

To your resilient health,
Angela McGirk, FNP
Fully Functional Medicine, PLLC

As we head into late summer, many families are preparing for the return of school, travel, and busier schedules. Now is the perfect time to restock your wellness cabinet with foundational supplements and gentle detox essentials that support immune strength, gut health, and hormone balance.

At Fully Functional Medicine, we focus on root causes—and one root cause of chronic fatigue, inflammation, skin issues, and brain fog is a burdened detox system. Having the right tools on hand makes it easier to stay well and bounce back quickly when stress or sickness hits.

Here’s what I recommend every household stock in their Functional Medicine Wellness Cabinet—along with trusted, links you can use to shop.

1. Daily Foundational Supplements

These support energy, immunity, digestion, and inflammation—whether you’re in a healing phase or just maintaining wellness.

High-Quality Multivitamin (Activated B’s, Methylfolate)
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Multivitamin

Nutrients in bioavailable forms

Includes antioxidant support and methylated folate

Magnesium Glycinate for Calm & Muscle Recovery
Doctor’s Best High Absorption Magnesium Glycinate

Supports sleep, stress response, and regularity

Non-laxative form

Omega-3 (EPA/DHA for Inflammation & Brain Health)
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega

Third-party tested for purity

Supports mood, skin, and hormone health

2. Immune Resilience & Antioxidants

These are helpful for both prevention and quick recovery from colds, viruses, and inflammation.

Liposomal Vitamin C (Gentle on Gut, High Absorption)
Core Med Science Liposomal Vitamin C

Liposomal delivery for superior absorption

Helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress

Zinc + Quercetin Immune Support Combo
Zinc Quercetin Complex by Thorne or NOW Foods

Quercetin acts as a zinc ionophore to improve cellular uptake

Antiviral and anti-inflammatory

3. Gentle Daily Detox & Liver Support

A healthy liver supports hormone balance, clear skin, and low histamine responses. These help keep detox pathways open.

Binders for Toxins & Histamine Support
Microbe Formulas BioActive Carbon BioTox

Binds mold, toxins, and environmental chemicals

Gentle enough for long-term use

Liver-Loving Herbs (Milk Thistle + Dandelion)
Gaia Herbs Liver Cleanse

Supports liver function and bile flow

Great as part of a morning or evening wellness routine

4. Gut Health & Digestive Support

Healing begins in the gut. These products promote regularity, nutrient absorption, and microbiome balance.

Spore-Based Probiotic (Broad Support, Travel-Friendly)
Just Thrive Probiotic & Antioxidant

Survives stomach acid

Promotes resilience and immune function

Digestive Enzymes with HCL (for Bloating & Protein Digestion)
NOW Super Enzymes

Helps break down fats, proteins, and carbs

Especially helpful if you're transitioning to cleaner eating

5. Extra Tools for Resilience

For stress support, detox baths, and toxin-free living.

Adrenal Support Complex with Ashwagandha & Rhodiola
Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager

Supports energy, calm, and sleep

Helps regulate cortisol rhythms

Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes

Great for muscle recovery, kids’ baths, and stress relief

High absorption through skin

Berkey Water Filter or Portable Toxin-Free Pitcher

Removes heavy metals, fluoride, and microplastics

Essential for reducing daily toxin load

Creating a Healing Home

Stocking your wellness cabinet is an act of empowerment. Whether you're managing a chronic condition, supporting your family’s immunity, or just want to feel your best, these tools make a measurable difference.

You don’t need dozens of products—just a handful of the right ones.

Explore our full Amazon Wellness Cabinet List for updated links and recommendations. Every purchase through the links helps support this practice and the free education we offer.

Need help prioritizing which supplements are right for you? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation and let’s customize your plan.

To your healing and resilience,
Angela McGirk, FNP
Fully Functional Medicine, PLLC