Expert Q&A

How I finished 2023 vs 2025 — how a functional medicine approach differs

My 2023 Struggle: Traditional Diets and Repeated Failure

In 2023, I weighed 247 pounds at 5'9". Joint pain made every step feel impossible, my A1C was 6.8, and blood pressure hovered at 148/92. Like so many in their late 40s, hormonal changes had slowed my metabolism while insulin resistance packed on visceral fat. I tried calorie counting, keto, and intermittent fasting. Each delivered 10-15 pounds lost followed by rapid regain. Insurance denied coverage for any structured program, and conflicting nutrition advice left me overwhelmed and embarrassed to seek help.

The Turning Point: Embracing a Functional Medicine Framework

Early 2024, I shifted to the functional medicine approach detailed in my book The Metabolic Reset Protocol. Instead of symptom-focused calorie restriction, we targeted root causes: gut microbiome imbalance, chronic inflammation, thyroid conversion issues, and cortisol dysregulation from years of yo-yo dieting. Testing revealed low T3, elevated hs-CRP at 4.2, and disrupted circadian cortisol curves. The plan wasn't another restrictive diet. It was a personalized metabolic reset using anti-inflammatory nutrition, targeted supplements, and gentle movement that respected my joint limitations.

Key Differences: 2023 vs 2025 Results

By December 2025 I reached 178 pounds—a sustainable 69-pound loss. My A1C dropped to 5.1 without medication, blood pressure normalized at 118/76, and joint pain decreased by 80% allowing daily 30-minute walks. Energy levels stabilized without the 3pm crashes I experienced in 2023. The functional medicine difference? We measured and corrected underlying imbalances rather than fighting symptoms. Where 2023 saw me battling constant hunger on 1,400 calories, 2025 involved nutrient-dense meals that kept me satisfied on 2,100-2,400 calories while my body composition improved monthly.

Practical Steps for Your Own Transformation

Begin with basic labs: fasting insulin, HbA1c, full thyroid panel including free T3 and reverse T3, hs-CRP, and a comprehensive stool test. Address insulin resistance first with 10-12 hour eating windows and elimination of refined carbohydrates. Support hormone balance with 7-9 hours sleep, stress-reduction practices, and resistance training twice weekly using bodyweight or bands if joints hurt. Track progress beyond the scale—measure waist circumference, energy, and lab markers every 90 days. This approach works for busy middle-income families because it requires no fancy gym membership or complex meal plans. Simple, consistent changes addressing root causes deliver results when everything else has failed.

💬 What the Community Says

The community shows strong interest in functional medicine weight loss stories comparing before-and-after years. Many in the 45-54 age group share similar 2023 struggles with hormonal weight gain, joint pain preventing exercise, and frustration with traditional diets that ignore root causes like thyroid or inflammation. Practitioners frequently report better long-term success with testing-guided approaches versus calorie counting, though some note the initial cost of functional labs can be challenging without insurance coverage. A vocal minority debates the scientific rigor of certain supplement protocols, but most agree the emphasis on sustainable lifestyle changes resonates deeply. Lived experiences highlight reduced diabetes markers and improved energy as the biggest wins, with users appreciating methods that fit real-life schedules rather than demanding hours at the gym. Overall sentiment leans positive toward root-cause methods for those who've failed multiple diets.
Cite this answer
Clark, R. (2026). How I finished 2023 vs 2025 — how a functional medicine approach differs. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://ask.cfpweightloss.com/ask/how-i-finished-2023-vs-2025-how-a-functional-medicine-approach
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

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