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An Informative Guide by the Balance Clinic

Semaglutide is an exciting new medication option for sustainable weight loss and improved health. This guide by the Balance Clinic covers the key aspects of semaglutide-based treatments for obesity and weight management in Gurnee, Illinois.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a synthetic hormone belonging to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) group. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. Compounded semaglutide formulations utilize this compound to promote weight loss.

Some key points about semaglutide:

  • Acts on areas of the brain to reduce hunger and calorie intake
  • Enhances feelings of fullness so less food satisfies
  • Slows digestion to curb absorption of fat and sugars
  • Improves control of blood glucose levels

Semaglutide for weight loss helps obese or overweight patients achieve significant and sustained reductions in body weight.

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How Does Semaglutide Lead to Weight Loss?

There are two ways semaglutide facilitates weight reduction:

  1. Appetite suppression - It makes you feel fuller faster, reducing overall food intake
  2. Changes in fat absorption - It alters digestion and metabolism to decrease fat storage

Clinical studies show people taking semaglutide eat 10-15% less per day. They also report better control over cravings and hunger.

Over 12-20 weeks, patients typically lose between 5-15% of their body weight. Effects continue with longer treatment duration. Losses of over 20% are possible.

Benefits of Weight Loss with Semaglutide

Succeeding with weight loss semaglutide leads to wide-ranging health and wellness perks like:

  • Reduced risk for heart disease and stroke
  • Better outcomes for type 2 diabetes - lower blood glucose and A1c levels
  • Improved fertility and sexual health
  • Alleviation of joint/back pains from obesity
  • Surge in energy levels and productivity
  • Anti-aging effects - healthier cells and longer lifespan

Losing excess weight also boosts self-confidence, body image, and mental health.

"I've struggled with severe obesity for years. After starting semaglutide shots, I've lost over 40 lbs in 3 months. My labs show reduced inflammation and my energy is through the roof. I almost feel like a new person!" - John S., Gurnee, IL

Table 1 shows more specific metabolic and cardiovascular benefits documented in research on semaglutide.

Measure Improvements with Semaglutide
Waist Circumference 6-13% decrease
BMI Loss of 5 points
Blood Pressure 6-16 mmHg drop
LDL Cholesterol 15-25% reduction
Triglycerides 30% lower on average

These remarkable enhancements to health and longevity demonstrate why timely treatment with semaglutide is so valuable for qualifying patients.

Who is a Good Candidate for Semaglutide?

The FDA has approved Wegovy - an injectable form of semaglutide - for chronic weight management in adults with:

  • BMI over 30 (obesity)
  • Overweight BMI of 27 with at least one weight-related health issue such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease

However, anyone over 18 who has struggled to lose weight or keep it off may benefit from compounded semaglutide formulations.

Ideal patients have:

  • Failed to reduce weight through diet and lifestyle alone
  • BMI from 25 to 45
  • A motivated, self-driven attitude

Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a good fit. We can check your hormone levels and medical history to advise appropriately.

Seeking treatment earlier in life aids efficacy and prevents complications from uncontrolled obesity later on. Our knowledgeable physicians customize cutting-edge plans to help patients achieve their health goals. - Dr. Amanda Lincoln, Balance Clinic Medical Director

Formulations and Dosing of Semaglutide

There are a few preparations available for semaglutide compounded weight loss regimens:

  • Ready-to-use prefilled pens (similar to insulin injection pens)
  • Vials for manual injection
  • Pills taken orally

In clinical studies, doses between 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg once weekly showed good safety and results. Duration ranged from 12 weeks to 2 years.

We tailor dose and delivery method to each patient's needs and preferences for optimal outcomes. Most start low and gradually increase under medical guidance.

Benefits of our compounded semaglutide:

  • More flexible dosing regimens
  • Lower out-of-pocket costs
  • Improved convenience - oral pills or choice of injections
  • Ongoing support and therapy adjustments from our clinicians

Compounded formulations also open access for those unable to get insurance approval for branded drugs.

What to Expect: Starting Semaglutide Therapy

Here is an overview of what to expect when beginning semaglutide for weight loss:

Initial Consultation

  • Review health history
  • Check weight, BMI, blood pressure and relevant lab testing
  • Discuss lifestyle, goals, and motivations
  • Finalize treatment plan details

First Week

  • Start semaglutide at lower dose
  • Begin adjusting diet and activity habits
  • Monitor for side effects like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Second Week Onward

  • Increase dose gradually under medical guidance
  • Optimize nutrition, sleep, hydration and movement
  • Track progress at follow-up appointments

We also cover navigating insurance approvals, sourcing medications, using injectors, and managing side effects.

Our exceptional patient care focuses both on the medical and personal levels. We partner with clients to remove barriers, provide accountability, and celebrate victories along their transformation journey. - Balance Clinic Patient Navigator

Side Effects and Safety Precautions

Like any medication, semaglutide carries a risk of side effects. However, research deems it very safe when appropriately prescribed and monitored.

Common Transient Reactions

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased appetite
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain

These often resolve within days or weeks of starting therapy. We provide guidance to alleviate symptoms.

Rare But Serious Risks

  • Gallbladder problems
  • Severe allergic response
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Low blood sugar
  • Diabetic retinopathy

Let your care team know if you experience severe side effects. We may adjust the dosage or switch medications.

Some precautions around semaglutide usage include:

  • Not safe during pregnancy - use birth control
  • Monitor thyroid hormones
  • May affect certain medications like birth control pills or antidepressants - discuss all medications with us

We tailor therapy and monitoring to each patient's safety profile.

Our Semaglutide Program and Balance Clinic Difference

The Balance Clinic Weight Wellness Program offers cutting-edge, compassionate support for weight loss and lifestyle transformation.

Our services include:

  • Custom compounded semaglutide preparations
  • Initial lab panels and ongoing testing
  • Consultations with weight loss specialists
  • Regular progress tracking and follow-up
  • Lifestyle optimization coaching
  • Help navigating insurance claims

We personalize multi-modal plans backed by the latest research. Our goal is not just shedding pounds but empowering patients to achieve lasting success.

What makes Balance Clinic your best choice?

  • Leading compounding pharmacy with highest quality standards
  • Integrative, whole-person approach focused on root causes
  • Access to the area's top anti-aging and longevity experts
  • Bespoke weight loss medications and protocols
  • Private, welcoming atmosphere
  • Continuity of care over months and years

We support clients long after initial progress through maintenance plans, community referrals, and more. Lifelong transformation becomes possible.

Let our capable team help you write a new chapter of health, confidence, and wellbeing.


Share Inspiring Patient Stories

Daniel had set a small goal from that moment, deciding to make a change. Hearing his son Liam tell him he wished he could finish the race was Daniel's motivation.

Daniel had always disliked his body shape and appearance. At Liam's soccer game, Daniel was constantly worried about people talking about him. Liam said to Daniel, "Dad, it would be so cool if you could finish the race!"

This ignited Daniel. He decided to change his lifestyle for his son and himself.

Daniel met with our endocrinologists and created a customized semaglutide therapy plan. The results were incredible!

Within 6 months, Daniel's weight dropped from 310 lbs to 250 lbs! Now he can run the entire race, and Liam is thrilled. But more importantly, Daniel's confidence soared, and he no longer worries about people talking about his appearance.

Lose weight and boost health with semaglutide.

Common Semaglutide Myths and Facts

Myth: Semaglutide is just another fad weight loss drug.

Fact: It is an FDA-approved medication used globally by doctors to safely treat obesity.

Myth: It causes unhealthy fast weight loss.

Fact: Loss averages 1-3 lbs per week - safe, sustainable rates.

Myth: Once you stop taking it, the weight will rebound.

Fact: Keeps weight off long-term for most if lifestyle habits remain improved.

Myth: Semaglutide can seriously damage health.

Fact: Over 2 years of data proves an excellent safety profile. Main risks are gastrointestinal side effects.

Diagnosing and Monitoring Hormones

Tests Needed at Baseline:

  • Weight, height, BMI, body composition
  • Blood pressure
  • Relevant lab panels based on history

Follow-up Testing:

  • Weight checks every 1-2 weeks
  • Body measurements monthly
  • Labs every 3-6 months

What Makes a Quality Physician?

  • Specialized training and experience in obesity, hormones, and lifestyle medicine
  • Compassionate patient care standards
  • Proficiency in cutting-edge weight loss protocols
  • Preventative, proactive approach focused on root causes
  • Ongoing continuing education
  • Integrative perspective

Our practitioners exceed these benchmarks.

Innovative Semaglutide Advancements

The convenience and efficacy of semaglutide therapy keep improving with medical innovations like:

  • Oral capsules - Easy to swallow pills avoiding injections
  • Implants - Tiny devices inserted under the skin supplying steady hormone doses over 6-12 months
  • Optimized release mechanisms - Next generation injections that stabilize blood levels longer
  • Combination formulations - Semaglutide paired with other complementary medications

Exciting on the horizon are gene therapies and gut microbiome treatments that mimic semaglutide's effects.

We stay ahead of the curve on the latest advancements for our patients' benefit.


Conclusion

Semaglutide is a promising and safe solution for achieving significant, sustainable weight loss and improved overall health. With its appetite-suppressing and fat absorption-reducing effects, patients can expect an average weight loss of 5-15% within 12-20 weeks of treatment.

At the Balance Clinic, we offer personalized semaglutide therapy plans tailored to each individual's needs and preferences. Our experienced medical team provides comprehensive support, including initial consultations, ongoing monitoring, lifestyle coaching, and guidance on managing side effects.

By choosing Balance Clinic, you'll benefit from our cutting-edge approach, commitment to quality, and access to the latest advancements in weight loss treatments. We are dedicated to empowering our clients to achieve lasting success and improve their overall health and well-being.

Take the first step towards your weight loss journey today by contacting the Balance Clinic.

Lose weight and boost health with semaglutide.

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