
At MD Optimal Health & Aesthetics, we offer a medically supervised weight loss program designed to help you achieve sustainable weight loss and improve your overall health. Using the latest in weight loss medication, including compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide, we can create personalized treatment plans that align with your uniqueness and lifestyle. Our approach is different from other programs because it combines cutting-edge medications with ongoing support (both in person and through virtual appointments), setting you up for long-term success. Melissa Donelson, CRNP, provides attentive care to her patients and will ensure you feel informed about what these medications do and how they can help you.
We offer both virtual and in-person plans, making it easy for patients from across the country to benefit from Melissa's highly personalized care. Having lost 100 pounds and maintained this weight loss, Melissa has an intimate understanding of the unique challenges and milestones this journey brings.

Our comprehensive, medically supervised program includes access to prescription weight loss medications, supplements, meal planning, and personalized habit coaching.

Comprehensive telehealth services available in over 25 states, including direct shipping of medications and supplements.

One-on-one care managed exclusively by Melissa Donelson, CRNP, who has personally maintained a 100-pound weight loss.

Sustainable weight loss through supportive management of medical, hormonal, and behavioral triggers.
Arizona | Colorado | Delaware | Florida | Idaho | Iowa | Kansas | Maryland | Montana | Nebraska | New Hampshire | New Mexico | New York | North Dakota | Oregon | South Dakota | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wyoming

Weight loss is about more than counting calories. It is a multifaceted journey that deserves expert medical guidance. At MD Optimal Health & Aesthetics, we utilize advanced GLP-1 and GIP therapies, as well as oral medications, to help regulate your appetite and support your body’s natural ability to burn fat. Because every patient’s physiology is different, Melissa will personally help you navigate these options to find the specific approach that fits your health history and lifestyle.
Whether you choose semaglutide, tirzepatide, or oral medications, we will guide you through your weight loss journey, providing personalized care and support every step of the way. At MD Optimal Health & Aesthetics, we understand that consistent medication use is crucial for optimal results. That is why we are partnered with a specialized company to ensure:
Finding the right clinical tool is a vital step in solving the metabolic puzzle that has held you back in the past. At MD Optimal Health & Aesthetics, we offer several paths to success depending on your health history and goals:

Your journey begins with a private consultation (either in person at our Columbia office or via a secure virtual visit) where Melissa performs a comprehensive review of your health history and lifestyle. Once your personalized plan is created, your medications and supplies are shipped directly and discreetly to your door. Melissa understands that consistent medication management is vital. That is why she utilizes a precise 28-day cycle and regular check-ins to monitor your progress, manage any side effects, and provide the coaching you need to navigate real-world challenges.

Quieting the "Food Noise"
By regulating the hormones that control hunger, our program helps eliminate the constant mental preoccupation with food. This allows you to focus on nutritious choices and portion control without the feeling of deprivation.
Improved Metabolic Markers
Weight loss isn't just about the scale; it's about internal health. Many patients see significant improvements in blood sugar control, blood pressure, and lipid levels, reducing the risk of long-term chronic conditions.
Expert Continuity of Care
Because Melissa manages every aspect of your program, you never have to explain your history to a new provider. She meticulously tracks your progress, offers personalized support for setbacks, and celebrates your milestones, providing a level of accountability, empathy, and clinical oversight that big-box programs can't provide.
Medical weight loss is an excellent option for individuals who have struggled to lose weight through traditional diet and exercise alone. Ideal candidates typically have a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, or sleep apnea. During your one-on-one visit, Melissa will perform a detailed assessment to determine whether GLP-1 or oral therapies are safe for you. With a focus on safety and transparency, she ensures you only start a program that is truly in the best interest of your long-term health.


The true measure of your success is found in the moments your weight no longer holds you back. While clinical trials show patients losing between 15% and 22% of their body weight on these medications, the most meaningful results are often the "non-scale victories," like having the stamina to play with your children or feeling comfortable in your favorite clothes again. By following your personalized pathway to better health, you are gaining a more vibrant version of yourself. Because Melissa has personally maintained her weight loss for over three years, she knows that the ultimate result is the quiet confidence that comes from finally being in control.
Choosing MD Optimal Health & Aesthetics means choosing a provider who has truly walked the walk. Melissa Donelson, CRNP, combines 30 years of medical experience with her personal success story to offer a weight loss experience rooted in empathy and rigor. You aren't just another patient on a roster; you receive the undivided attention of a board-certified NP who manages everything from your dosing plan to your nutritional support guide. Whether you work with Melissa in person or from the comfort of your own home, you have a dedicated expert in your corner helping you achieve your optimal health.

Ready to transform your life? Contact us today to learn more about our weight loss programs featuring semaglutide, tirzepatide, and other options. You can either book an in-office appointment or a virtual weight-loss consultation.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that regulate blood sugar levels and significantly reduce appetite, making it easier for individuals to lose weight. These GLP-1 medications work by mimicking a hormone in the body that regulates insulin and satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer, and therefore eat smaller quantities of food. GLP-1 therapy slows the emptying of the stomach by binding to the receptors that are in the stomach. The brain is sent a signal of fullness from the stomach, and this helps to reduce your food intake and decrease your appetite. These medications are administered once weekly via self-injection.
GLP-1 medications are a powerful tool to help you reach your goals and establish new habits. Some patients choose to transition to a lower "maintenance" dose once they reach their target weight, while others may eventually taper off as their lifestyle changes become permanent. Melissa will work with you to create a long-term plan that prioritizes weight stability.
Cost ranges from $325-600 per month depending upon the medication and dosage needed. Cost includes the following:
Monthly cost is will range from $70-100 per month and can be delivered to your home.
We currently serve patients in the following states:
This is another combination of two drugs that help you lose weight. This product should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. It can also help you maintain weight loss.
Naltrexone and bupropion work together in your brain to help reduce appetite and manage cravings. You may notice initial weight loss results after taking it for about 4 weeks. But it can take up to 12 weeks (3 months) to understand if the med is truly working for you.
MD Optimal Health & Aesthetics only works with compounding pharmacies that adhere to strict USP guidelines for sterility and potency. Melissa is partnered with DrWell, a LegitScript-certified platform that delivers compliant, high-quality care medicines and prescribing workflows.
Individual results vary based upon age, medical disorders, adherence to lifestyle changes but many clients find that the dual mechanism of two medicines offer more robust appetite suppression and metabolic control, leading to more weight loss.
Not everyone experiences side effects, but the most common are nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and headache. Most symptoms are manageable, but we can always advise on dose adjustments, hydration strategies, and anti-nausea support. We are her to help you mange the process, not just dispense the medication.
Yes, you can travel with your medications. The medication should be kept in a cold pack with the original prescription. We will help provide specific instructions on how to transport your medication and supplies safely.
While some insurances may cover some of the cost for weight loss medications, it varies widely and is often restrictive. At MD Optimal Health, we do not accept insurance at this time. Payment can be done with credit card, HSA cards, and financing is available through Cherry financing.
If you stop the medication without making any lifestyle changes weight gain can happen. The medication can be weaned off after your goal weight is achieved, and some opt to stay on lower doses of the medication for maintenance. Weight loss is a journey, and maintenance is part of that journey. We will help you plan for the long term goals.