Concierge Health Consultant Kelly Turner is a co-panelist at Tidbits & Takeaways on Tuesday, Jan 27.
For our event focused on GLP-1s and 2026 lifestyle and wellness topics, Concierge Health Consultant Kelly Turner, PA-C, MPH, DipACLM, is one of our panelists. RSVP for Tidbits & Takeaways at Helix Park on Tuesday, Jan 27, but first, get to know Kelly.
What is your professional background before founding Verified Wellness?
I am a Physician Assistant with a Master’s in Public Health in Epidemiology, which is the study of disease patterns at the population level. I am also board certified in Lifestyle Medicine. I am the founder of Verified Wellness, where I provide concierge-style health consulting for individuals and groups who want to proactively improve their metabolic health and long-term outcomes.
GLP-1s are in the cultural zeitgeist and on everyone’s minds. How do GLP-1s work?
GLP-1 medications work by helping the body regulate hunger and fullness more effectively. They mimic a hormone your body already makes that tells your brain when you have had enough to eat. As a result, people tend to feel full sooner, stay full longer, and feel less driven to eat between meals. For many people, these medications quiet “food noise,” or the constant thoughts about food. They also slow digestion, which helps people feel satisfied for longer after eating, and they help keep blood sugar levels more stable. Overall, GLP-1s create a more supportive environment in the body so that healthier choices feel more manageable.
You support individuals on GLP-1s and make a dedicated plan for each client. Tell us about the lifestyle changes you include in each plan.
My ideal client is someone who is motivated to make meaningful, sustainable behavior changes to optimize their overall health, whether they are using a GLP-1 or not. They are looking for a high-touch, highly individualized approach with ongoing communication, education, and support. For every client, the foundation of the plan is Lifestyle Medicine. We intentionally address all six pillars: nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances. When a client is using a GLP-1, lifestyle becomes even more important. We focus on preserving lean muscle mass, supporting adequate nutrition, maintaining cardiometabolic fitness, and building routines that are sustainable long term. The goal is not just weight loss, but improved metabolic health, function, and quality of life.
Are GLP-1s here to stay?
We are still early in the evolution of GLP-1–based therapies. There are many new drugs in the pipeline, additional metabolic targets, expanded clinical indications, and delivery methods that are more patient-friendly. We are already seeing movement toward longer-acting formulations, with dosing shifting from weekly to potentially monthly injections, as well as continued development of oral options. We are also seeing these medications move beyond weight loss and diabetes into other areas of chronic disease like cardiovascular risk reduction, sleep apnea, kidney disease, and fatty liver disease. This reflects a growing understanding that metabolic health impacts nearly every organ system. Because of this, I do believe GLP-1s are here to stay. They are not a trend. They are becoming a foundational tool in metabolic care.
What are your personal 2026 health and wellness goals?
My health goals for 2026 are centered on longevity and healthspan. I am focused on preserving muscle mass, improving cardiovascular fitness, and protecting long-term cognitive and physical function. Practically, that means prioritizing strength training, daily movement, sleep, and stress management, and focusing on objective measures like VO₂ max and body composition. I am also being more intentional with my time. Enjoying the moment, protecting social connection, and allowing space for recovery because these are also so important for long-term health. Ultimately, my goal is to model what I teach by focusing on my health now while protecting function and independence over time.
Interested in learning more from Kelly? RSVP for our event here.
Tidbits & Takeaways | Tues, Jan 27, 11:30 a.m.
TMC Helix Park | 1885 Old Spanish Trail Houston, TX 77030