What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) analog. GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the small intestine that stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon secretion, thereby lowering blood sugar. It is the active ingredient in the brand name medications known as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Rybelus®. 

Though semaglutide originated as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, Balanced Medical Solutions offers it as a weight-loss solution at our clinic in Hayward, CA. As of June 2021, the FDA approved semaglutide for weight loss as a supplement to other weight-loss treatment, including diet and exercise. In addition, unlike many other weight loss medications, this medication can be used for long-term weight loss management. 

At Balanced Medical Solutions, we offer the generic version of the expensive brand-name medications of Wegovy® Ozempic®, and Rybelsus® and for less than half the cost as the name-brands. The weekly injection helps regulate insulin and glycemic control as well as decreasing patient appetite.  

What are the effects of semaglutide (aka Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Rybelsus®)?

Studies show that semaglutide helps with:

• Slowing stomach emptying
• Control of cravings
• Improves control of eating
• Reduces appetite
• Increasing insulin release
• Improves glycemic control

How much weight can I lose with semaglutide?

Every single person is different and has a different medical profile so how much weight you will lose is not possible to foresee and anyone making promises is not following ethical medical practice standards. However, with a healthy diet, exercise and a safe semaglutide weight loss regimen, your chances of success will greatly improve. 

There are numerous published studies conducted by the FDA and other organizations, but one 6 month study of 175 patients showed that:

“The mean (SD) weight loss after 3 months was 6.7 (4.4) kg, equivalent to a mean (SD) weight loss of 5.9% (3.7%) (P < .001), and the mean (SD) weight loss after 6 months was 12.3 (6.6) kg, equivalent to a mean (SD) weight loss of 10.9% (5.8%) (P < .001 from baseline). Of the 102 patients who were followed up at 6 months, 89 (87.3%) achieved weight loss of 5% or more, 56 (54.9%) achieved weight loss of 10% or more, 24 (23.5%) achieved weight loss of 15% or more, and 8 (7.8%) achieved weight loss of 20% or more.” (1)

According to Robert Kushner, MD, professor of medicine and medical education at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago “Semaglutide is the most impactful medication for the treatment of obesity, with 32% of participants losing at least 20% of their initial weight…It could be a game changer for those who struggle with obesity, which affects over 40% of American adults.” (2)

How is semaglutide taken?

Typically, it is a once-weekly injectable, but your particular dose and protocol will be determined by your prescribing provider. You can come into Balanced Medical Solutions for your weekly injections or you can receive instructions on how you can inject at home along with all the needed supplies and just come in for your success and monitoring visits. 

How can I find out if semaglutide is right for ME? 

When you come in for your initial evaluation, you will have an in-person medical exam and visit with a weight loss specialist. We will go over your medical history, personal goals, and run comprehensive tests to help determine if there is a hormonal imbalance or another reason contributing to your weight challenges or that may contribute to you rebounding or gaining weight again after treatment. We certainly don’t want patients investing time and energy on a prescribed weight loss treatment only to see the weight come back. Thus, our thorough evaluation process helps assure that our patients see lasting success and that they medically qualify for semaglutide. Please note this medication should not be taken by women who are pregnant or lactating or who have a known allergy to any of the ingredients. 

How is Balanced Medical Solutions different from online clinics offering semaglutide?

Balanced Medical Solutions in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, offers semaglutide only to patients who could benefit from it by making sure that it is a good fit first. Our initial evaluation aims to get at and, when possible, treat the root causes of weight gain or inability to lose weight. The most common underlying physical condition causing weight challenges, especially in individuals over 40 years old, are the hormonal imbalances that come with aging (i.e,. menopause and andropause). Fortunately, hormonal imbalances are easily and safely treatable with naturally-derived hormonal treatments like bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). 

Unlike online weight loss clinics, we offer in-person follow-up visits free of charge to help monitor your progress and assure your success. And once you are a patient with us, you can always come back for free for medical advice related to all the areas we specialize in: medical weight loss, hormonal imbalances, sexual health, and anti-aging.

Are YOU ready to lose that unwanted weight once and for all?

We get it — you’re sick and tired of promises of something different and claims of amazing results. If you’re like most of our patients, you’ve been burned by fad diets and false hopes more times than you care to count.

If you’re skeptical about semaglutide or medical weight loss programs in general, and not sure if it’s right for you, all we can say is that most of our patients see results and are glad they made the initial investment of time to find out what we can do for them with our comprehensive evaluation and the new breakthrough solutions available today. 

At Balanced Medical Solutions we see you as the unique and whole individual that you are. We aim to provide you with the best treatment options for YOU and advise you about the most effective ways to shed pounds and stay safe while doing it. With unlimited free follow-up visits, our whole team is always here for you.