Weight Loss
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide works by activating GLP-1 receptors that cut appetite and food intake. See what clinical trials show, and what the medication does not do.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Founder, Functional Wellness & Aesthetics · Salem, Oregon
Rick Meyers is a board-certified family nurse practitioner who brings nearly 30 years of medical experience to Functional Wellness & Aesthetics, the practice he opened in Salem in 2020. He founded it to offer safe, effective and minimally invasive treatments tailored to each patient’s unique needs, and every plan at the clinic starts with a patient’s health history and goals rather than a flat retail price.
Rick is the clinic’s provider: he personally assesses patients, oversees the medically supervised weight loss and GLP-1 program, performs the aesthetic treatments, and writes and medically reviews every article on this site. He runs the practice with his wife and business partner, Jennifer.
“Aesthetic medicine has allowed me to blend my passion for medicine, technology and art to empower individuals in achieving their best selves.”
Credentials
What FNP-BC means for patients
FNP-BC stands for Family Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified. A family nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse with graduate-level clinical training who can assess and diagnose patients, order tests and prescribe medication. The board-certified designation is awarded through a national certification exam and kept current with continuing education.
For patients at Functional Wellness & Aesthetics, that means the person reviewing your health history, prescribing a GLP-1 medication or placing a dermal filler is a licensed clinician, not a sales consultant. Rick is certified and extensively trained in all the services the clinic offers.
01
Nearly 30 years in medicine
Clinical experience across medicine, pain management and addiction treatment before opening FWA.
02
Founded FWA in 2020
A Salem practice built around supervised, minimally invasive care.
03
Board-certified FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified (FNP-BC).
Metabolic medicine
More than a decade with GLP-1 medications
Medically supervised weight loss is the cornerstone of Rick’s practice. He began working with GLP-1 medications in 2015 with liraglutide (Saxenda), years before semaglutide made the class a household name, and has practiced weight loss and metabolic medicine ever since. He wrote his thesis on metabolic syndrome.
His interest extends to alcohol use disorder, where GLP-1 medications are an active area of research, and he has been involved in a study of GLP-1 treatment for alcohol use disorder. That work is the foundation of the clinic’s alcohol treatment program.
Rick is also careful about what he won’t offer. He tracks FDA and compounding rules closely, including the 2026 peptide reclassification, and does not prescribe investigational drugs before they are approved.
Areas of training
What Rick treats at Functional Wellness & Aesthetics
Rick’s training spans medically supervised weight loss, GLP-1 therapy, laser treatments, dermal fillers, skin rejuvenation, pain management and addiction treatment.
- Medical weight loss & GLP-1
- Peptide therapy
- Botox
- Dermal fillers
- Lip augmentation
- Facial contouring
- Laser hair removal
- Tattoo reduction
- IPL photofacial
- Skin resurfacing
- Vascular reduction
- Alcohol treatment
Aesthetic Treatments
How Much is Lip Filler?
How much is lip filler? See the national average, why practices price per syringe, what a half syringe costs, and what a real quote should include.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
Does laser hair removal hurt? What each pulse feels like, which areas sting most, and how cooling and numbing change it. Salem, OR clinic.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Weight Loss
How to Avoid Ozempic Face
How to avoid Ozempic face: why rapid fat loss causes facial hollowing, what prevention is realistic, and how providers restore lost volume.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
How Much is Tattoo Removal?
Tattoo removal costs $1,000 to $10,000 because it takes 3 to 20 sessions. See what sets your total and how to estimate it yourself.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
BPC-157 and Tissue Repair: What the Research Actually Shows
What BPC-157 is, what it’s studied for in tissue repair, its FDA status, and what to ask a provider in Salem before trying it.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are signaling molecules that tell your cells what to do. Learn what peptide therapy is, how it works, and whether it’s safe.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
How Much Does Peptide Therapy Cost?
See real 2026 peptide therapy costs, compounded vs FDA-approved pricing, and what’s actually included before you book.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Weight Loss
Ozempic Side Effects: What to Expect
Learn the most common Ozempic side effects, how long they may last, what symptoms are normal, and when to call your provider.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Weight Loss
First Week on Semaglutide: What to Expect
What to expect during your first week on semaglutide - common side effects, appetite changes and when weight loss may start.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
What is a Photofacial?
Learn how IPL treatments reduce sun damage, redness and pigmentation - and who tends to be a good candidate.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
What is PRF Microneedling?
How this regenerative treatment boosts collagen naturally and improves skin texture.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
Lip Flip After Care: What to Expect and How to Get the Best Results
Proper lip flip after care, what to avoid, the recovery timeline and how to get the best results.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
8 Point Filler Face Lift: A Non-Surgical Way to Restore Lift and Definition
How an 8 point filler face lift restores facial lift and definition without surgery - and whether it’s right for you.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
Difference Between HydraFacial and Diamond Glow
Which facial is best for your skin type, and how the two treatments differ.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
What is Facial Contouring? Your Guide to a Sculpted Look Without Surgery
How to achieve a defined jawline and lifted cheeks without surgery, and which non-surgical options exist.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
What is a Med Spa?
What sets a medical spa apart from a traditional spa, and what medical oversight adds to your treatment.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
How to Tighten Face Skin?
Options for firmer skin, from daily skincare habits to in-clinic treatments.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
How Long Does Filler Last?
How long dermal fillers typically last and what influences their longevity.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Alcohol Treatment
Is Drinking Every Weekend Bad?
Short- and long-term health risks, signs of concern, and when to seek professional support.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Alcohol Treatment
How to Deal with an Alcoholic Spouse?
Compassionate strategies, coping tips and wellness resources for protecting your own well-being too.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Alcohol Treatment
Signs of Alcoholism and When to Seek Help
Common signs of alcoholism, from physical changes to emotional shifts - and when it’s time to seek support.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
Does Tattoo Removal Cream Really Work?
What works, what doesn’t, and what’s safest for your skin.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
Comparing Tattoo Removal Methods: Laser, Surgical & More
The safest and most effective tattoo removal options, and what fits your skin.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
What is the Best Tattoo Removal Laser?
The safest and most effective tattoo removal lasers available today.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Weight Loss
Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which Weight Loss Medication is Right for You?
Key differences, side effects and which option may fit your goals.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Weight Loss
Why Am I Not Losing Weight on Semaglutide?
Nine evidence-backed reasons progress may stall, and how to get better results.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Weight Loss
How Long Does Semaglutide Take to Work?
What to expect week by week, and how to support your results.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Weight Loss
How Long Does It Take For Semaglutide To Get Out of Your System?
How long semaglutide stays in your body and what to expect when stopping.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Weight Loss
How to Get Semaglutide?
Eligibility, safe access, costs, insurance and provider guidance for semaglutide in Salem.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
Does Laser Hair Removal Affect Tattoos?
How laser hair removal affects inked skin, and what options are safe.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
Can You Stop Botox Once You Start?
What really happens if you stop - and how treatment plans are personalized.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Aesthetic Treatments
Does Botox Make Wrinkles Worse?
The facts behind a common worry, and how Botox is used to smooth rather than stress skin.
By Rick Meyers, FNP-BC
Begin here
Let's find the right next step for you.
Whether you're exploring medical weight loss, considering an aesthetic treatment, interested in hormone management, or simply not sure where to start - send us a message and we'll help you make an informed decision.
Functional Wellness & Aesthetics · 180 Ramsgate Square SE · Salem, OR
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