Lasting weight loss is medical, not just motivation. At Cura Mind and Wellness, patients in Riverside, CA access clinician supervised weight management that integrates nutrition, movement, sleep, and when appropriate, semaglutide or tirzepatide. Care is led by Vivian Emuobe, MSN, BSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner licensed in California. Vivian brings hospital and outpatient leadership, a whole person approach, and clear education so you understand your plan, your milestones, and your safety checks.
We offer in person visits in Riverside, and HIPAA compliant telehealth across California for follow ups that do not require an in office service.
Who this program can help
You may be a candidate if you are an adult with:
- BMI 30 or higher,
- BMI 27 or higher with a weight related condition, for example prediabetes, type two diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea,
- Prior efforts with nutrition and exercise that did not produce durable results,
- Motivation to pair medication with realistic lifestyle supports,
- Interest in a respectful, private program that coordinates mental health and metabolic health.
We also review mood, anxiety, ADHD, sleep, and current medications that can influence appetite or weight. Your plan is individualized and focused on health outcomes that matter to you.
How semaglutide and tirzepatide work
- Semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors, supporting appetite regulation, slower gastric emptying, and improved glycemic control.
- Tirzepatide activates GLP-1 and GIP, which may provide additional appetite and metabolic effects for some patients.
Both medications are adjuncts, not replacements for healthy routines. Doses are titrated gradually to improve tolerance. We explain benefits, timelines, plateaus, and maintenance choices once goals are reached.
Safety first, screening and monitoring
Your safety drives every step. Before starting medication, we complete a structured review.
Baseline evaluation
- Medical history, medication list, allergies, pregnancy plans,
- Blood pressure, weight, waist measurements when available,
- Labs when indicated, A1C, fasting glucose, lipids, kidney and liver function, thyroid, vitamin levels.
Contraindications and cautions
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2,
- Prior pancreatitis, significant gallbladder disease, severe gastrointestinal disease,
- Pregnancy, lactation, or plans to conceive,
- Interactions with existing diabetes medications that may increase hypoglycemia risk.
Common effects and expectations
- Nausea, fullness, reflux, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, typically transient and dose related,
- Clear stop rules and instructions for concerning symptoms,
- Written guidance on hydration, meal timing, and dose escalations.
Labs are coordinated locally in Riverside and surrounding communities. You receive a clear written plan after every visit.
The Riverside program, step by step
Visit 1, Comprehensive intake
We review goals, prior attempts, food patterns, sleep, movement, stress, and medications that may affect weight. We order any needed labs and outline a starter nutrition plan. If eligible, we discuss whether semaglutide or tirzepatide fits your medical profile.
Weeks 1 to 4, Launch
- Nutrition framework with simple portions, protein targets, fiber additions, and balanced timing,
- Movement plan that respects commutes on the 91 or 60, brisk walks, gentle cycling, bodyweight micro sets,
- Sleep anchors to stabilize appetite signals, consistent wake times, light exposure, screen cutoffs,
- If prescribed, medication starts at a low dose with a side effect plan and hydration strategy.
Weeks 5 to 8, Optimize
- Titrate medication when appropriate,
- Troubleshoot appetite waves, social meals, and travel,
- Add short resistance sessions two or three times per week,
- Track energy, focus, mood, and satiety, make data based tweaks.
Weeks 9 to 12, Consolidate
- Lock in routines that work during busy Inland Empire weeks and family weekends,
- Prepare for plateaus with strategic adjustments,
- Discuss long term maintenance, dose holding, or gradual de escalation when appropriate.
The cadence is flexible. We prioritize repeatable actions that survive real life.
What a real Riverside week can look like
- Morning, protein centered breakfast, hydration, outdoor light where possible, a ten minute walk before the commute,
- Midday, packed lunch with color, planned snack to prevent late afternoon overeating,
- Movement, stairs when safe, five to eight minute strength set, squats, push, pull,
- Evening, balanced plate, devices down, simple wind down,
- Weekend, one planned meal out, one longer walk on the Santa Ana River Trail or neighborhood park, prep two easy dinners for the week.
Small, consistent choices add up to meaningful change without perfection pressure.
Mental health and metabolic health, one plan
Because Cura integrates psychiatric care with weight management, we can:
- Review psychiatric medications that may influence appetite or metabolism and discuss alternatives when appropriate,
- Teach skills for stress eating, urge surfing, and mindful pauses,
- Align therapy goals with nutrition and movement targets,
- Protect sleep, which stabilizes appetite hormones and mood.
If you are being treated for depression, anxiety, ADHD, or sleep issues, we coordinate your plan so changes are realistic and sustainable.
Measuring progress that matters
Numbers tell part of the story, function tells the rest. We track:
- Weight and waist trends,
- Satiety and hunger ratings,
- Energy, sleep windows, morning refreshment,
- Blood pressure and A1C when relevant,
- Daily function and quality of life, fewer afternoon crashes, steadier focus, improved stamina.
Adjustments are guided by outcomes and your lived experience, not guesswork.
Insurance, access, and expectations
Coverage for semaglutide and tirzepatide varies. We provide clear documentation when appropriate and discuss non medication pathways that still produce meaningful change. Expect gradual, steady progress. Plateaus are normal and manageable with data based adjustments.
Note for California, TMS is not offered at the Riverside office. If advanced mood options are appropriate, we discuss trusted referrals transparently.
FAQs, Medical Weight Loss in Riverside, CA
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Not necessarily. Some patients remain on therapy long term, others maintain with lifestyle after stabilization. We decide together based on response and goals.
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We slow titration, adjust dose timing and meal composition, or change the plan. Your comfort and safety come first.
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Yes. Many patients succeed with nutrition, movement, sleep, and behavioral tools alone. Medication is optional and based on clinical fit.
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Rates vary. We target steady, sustainable loss. Early weeks focus on tolerance and routine. Faster is not always better for long term maintenance.
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Often, yes, but we coordinate closely and adjust other medications as needed. You receive specific guidance and monitoring.
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Yes. All virtual visits are encrypted and HIPAA compliant. You must be physically in California during your session.
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Yes. Each visit ends with an actionable plan and a clear follow up schedule.
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Yes, with your written consent. We share concise updates so labs, medical conditions, and medications are aligned.
Why patients in Riverside choose Cura Mind and Wellness
- Board certified leadership with licensure in California,
- Whole person design, nutrition, movement, sleep, mindset, medication when indicated,
- Measured approach, gradual dosing, close follow up, clear milestones,
- Integrated mental health, therapy and psychopharmacology in the same practice when needed,
- Culturally sensitive care, respectful, private, stigma free,
- Practical plans, built for commutes, shift work, family schedules, and Inland Empire heat.
Begin a plan that respects science and your schedule
With in person appointments in Riverside and telehealth available statewide, Cura Mind and Wellness provides medical weight care that is safe, respectful, and realistic. Whether you choose semaglutide, tirzepatide, or a non medication path, you will have steady support, clear steps, and measurable progress.