A commitment to care — a provider’s personal story

Derek Timbs, FNP-BC, shares his personal story of weight loss and why he chose to become a provider on Klarity Health. 

My personal story of better weight loss and fitness

At 17, I became a father, and by 19 in 1993, I was a certified respiratory therapy technician. I worked primarily in a small-town hospital, covering everything from the ER to the nursery. Over the next 14 years, I juggled raising a family and pursuing higher education. Unfortunately, I neglected my own physical and mental health, which led to significant weight gain. At 5’ 10” and 305 pounds, I felt both physically and mentally unwell.

At 21, I decided to take control of my health. In the mid-90s, options for weight loss medications were limited, especially with the Fen-Phen lawsuits creating barriers. A doctor prescribed phentermine to help curb my appetite, but most of my progress came from adopting a restrictive diet and committing to daily exercise. 

Within 6 months, I dropped 100 pounds to get down to 205 pounds. This transformation inspired a lifelong commitment to health and fitness that guided my career in adult medicine and my personal well-being into my early 50s.

Derek Timbs, FMP, at 305 pounds (left) and with 2 of his children after losing 100 pounds a year later (right).

My path to providing healthcare for others

In 2000, I earned my bachelor’s degree in nursing and spent the next 5 years working in emergency rooms in southern Texas while pursuing my master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner (FNP). 

After earning my degree in 2005, I worked in family practice for 3 years, but my passion lay in preventative medicine. I needed stability with 5 teenagers and student loans, so I transitioned to occupational medicine. And for the next 16 years, I traveled the country, establishing medical programs, training staff, and caring for employees at various facilities. Throughout that time, I stayed focused on diet, exercise, and current medical advancements.

In 2024, I decided to shift gears and dedicate myself solely to preventative medicine. I partnered with my close friend, Dr. Matthew Higgs, a board-certified sports medicine physician, to help patients tackle obesity and hormone imbalances. Our mission is to empower individuals to achieve better health and live longer, more productive lives.

Choosing the Klarity Health platform to offer affordable care

I chose to offer care on Klarity Health because of its commitment to patient-centered care and to prioritize health over profit margins. Klarity Health provides cost-effective, transparent care for weight management with not just prescriptions but also the guidance needed to make lasting lifestyle changes. It lets me pursue my goal to ensure patients receive the right medication when needed along with tailored coaching on diet and exercise, so they can achieve long-term health.

The journey isn’t just about losing inches or fitting into smaller clothes, it’s about improving blood chemistry, reducing cardiovascular risks, and preventing hormone-related organ damage. And with Klarity Health’s flat-rate program patients can realistically invest in their health and achieve life-changing results. Together, we’re creating a path to sustainable wellness.

About Derek Timbs

Derek Timbs is a board-certified FNP licensed to practice in Ohio and Texas. Through his practice, he offers caring, supportive weight loss, including through the Klarity Select Weight Loss Program, and preventive medicine care. See Derek’s provider profile page to learn more about him.