The Skinny Science Story

Emily Schlinz, Co-Founder of Skinny Science, is a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner who has spent years helping patients feel confident and healthy in their skin. Yet like many of the patients she cares for, her own health journey included a long-standing struggle with weight.

Over the years, she tried restrictive diets, intense exercise routines, and countless approaches that promised results but rarely delivered in a sustainable way. Some worked temporarily, many did not, and most left her feeling frustrated and discouraged, as if she was doing everything right but still falling short.

Everything changed when she was introduced to GLP-1 medications.

For the first time, weight loss felt sustainable, science-backed, and supportive rather than punishing. GLP-1 therapy did not just lead to weight loss. It transformed her relationship with food, improved her energy, and restored her confidence. Instead of constantly fighting her body, she finally felt like it was working with her.

Because Emily is personally on this journey and continues GLP-1 therapy herself, she deeply understands what patients experience, including the excitement, the uncertainty, the plateaus, and the progress. She also understands the side effects firsthand and how to guide patients through them in a thoughtful, supportive way. This lived perspective, combined with her medical training, allows her to provide compassionate, realistic, and highly individualized care.

Skinny Science was founded to remove shame from weight loss and replace it with education, support, and evidence-based medicine. As a medically guided practice, the focus is on creating personalized treatment plans that support long-term success.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing pickleball, and relaxing with her French bulldog, Floyd.

Ki'ilani is dual-board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner through the Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Certification Board. She is licensed in the state of Arizona and maintains professional affiliations with the Obesity Medicine Association, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and the Dermatology Nurses' Association.

Since 2008, Ki'ilani has had the privilege of caring for patients in the Valley of the Sun. Prior to founding Skinny Science, Ki'ilani worked in primary care and emergency medicine before specializing in general, surgical, and aesthetic dermatology.

In addition to her clinical work, Ki'ilani serves as an adjunct faculty member at Grand Canyon University, where she shares her passion for healthcare with future healthcare professionals. Her dedication to patient care and education ensures she stays at the forefront of the latest advancements in healthcare, always integrating the most current knowledge into her practice.

During her years in dermatology, Ki'ilani developed a passion for addressing underlying medical conditions to promote healing from within, which in turn led to visible improvements in her patient's appearance and overall health. This connection inspired her transition into the field of medical weight loss, where she is uniquely qualified to combine her family practice and dermatology expertise with evidence-based metabolic and obesity medicine to improve her patients' health, confidence, and well-being from the inside out.

Ki'ilani is dedicated to providing the highest quality care with a personalized, compassionate approach. She is committed to helping patients achieve sustainable weight loss, improved health, and renewed confidence, with a deep understanding of the meaningful connection between internal wellness and outward appearance.

Outside of the office, Ki'ilani loves spending time with her husband and two daughters, exploring beautiful hiking trails throughout Arizona and neighboring states. If you have a trail recommendation, be sure to share it during your visit!