Frequently Asked Questions

How Does the Balanced Life’s Approach Work?

The Balanced Life services are designed to be delivered on a telehealth video platform to allow you to interact with your care team from the privacy of your own home at a time that is convenient for you. We understand that getting on a scale in front of others may be a humiliating experience. We are not here to judge you. We support your goals! You will start treatment by following these easy steps:

1. Complete medical intake forms.
2. Schedule a time to meet with your nurse practitioner and personal trainer remotely via our telehealth platform.
3. Submit your lab results to your provider. After review, you will receive an email stating you have been approved to start the medication and explaining the next steps.
4. If medically appropriate, receive your medication on your doorstep and start your path to success!
5. You will have routine follow-up visits with both your nurse practitioner and personal trainer.

How Does the Medication Work?

Glucagon Linke Peptide Agonists (GLP-1s) slow gastric emptying, stimulate insulin release from the pancreas, decrease post-meal glucagon release from the liver, and reduce food intake by increasing satiety.
When blood sugar levels start to rise after eating, GLP-1s stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin to lower blood sugar levels.

How Much Do These Services Cost?

$ 249/month for Semaglutide regardless of your dose. $350-500/month for Tirzepatide depending on your dose.

How Often Will I Meet With My Nurse Practitioner and Personal Trainer?

You will have a telehealth follow-up with your NP every 4 weeks to discuss your progress, appetite and weight loss
You will follow up with your nutritionist/personal trainer every 4-8 weeks depending on your preferences.

What if I Need a Higher or Lower Dose?

You and your nurse practitioner will decide on appropriate dosing strategies for you based on FDA recommendations as well as how you tolerate the drug. We utilize the lowest effective dose, which varies for each person. Current studies show the GLP-1s are safe for use for at least 12 consecutive months.

How Often Will I Receive a Shipment?

This will vary depending on your prescribed dosing pattern. In a typical 16-week schedule, you will receive a total of 2-3 shipments depending on the supplying compounding pharmacy.

What if I Need to Cancel?

Although we would hate to see you go, we understand that your situation may change, and you may need to cancel services. You may cancel future subscription anytime before your payment is processed by emailing us at [email protected] directly requesting cancellation with the reason the cancellation is needed.

Is This Real Medication?

Yes, all medications are made in an FDA-registered compounding pharmacy. We work with pharmacies licensed in all 50 states, using only the highest-quality ingredients. Medically approved clients are typically offered prescription Semaglutide or Tirzepatide injections. These are slowly absorbed by the body over a week to help reduce appetite and cravings.

How Much Weight Will I Lose?

According to the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in March 2021 titled “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity” by Wilding, et al – patients treated with Semaglutide showed a mean change in body weight from baseline to week 68 of -14.9%. The weight loss from baseline to week 68 was -15.3 kg in the Semaglutide group, compared to -2.6 kg in the placebo group.
The article can be found here: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
The most successful patients will utilize a combination of GLP-1 medication with diet changes, and increased exercise to maximize their success. Learning these lifestyle changes and how to balance your nutrition and movement will ensure long-term success!

What Do I Do if I Miss a Dose?

If you missed your dose less than 4 days ago, you can take it now and resume your current schedule.
If it has been more than 4 days since your missed dose, take the dose when you remember and then adjust your weekly schedule accordingly.

How Do I Inject My Medications?

What Are the Most Common Side Effects I Should Watch for?

The most common side effects of the GLP-1 class of medications are nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Nausea and vomiting can be avoided by decreasing your portion size by half when you first start the medication. If you are still hungry later, you can eat more, but be careful not to overeat as the medication slows gastric emptying, increasing the risk of nausea and vomiting.
The second most common side effect is constipation. Again, this is due to the drug slowing gastric emptying to keep you feeling full longer. To prevent constipation, increase your water intake, with a goal of drinking 64 ounces of water daily. Increase fiber intake, with a goal of 25 grams of fiber daily. (click here for more fiber ideas – link to picture)
Fiber -

A purple table with fruits and vegetables on it.

Who Doesn’t Qualify?

If you have (or have a history of) any of the following conditions, you may not qualify for GLP-1 therapy: thyroid cancer or pancreatitis. Caution should be taken with recent heart attacks, strokes, other cancers, and serious gallbladder disease.

What States Does the Balanced Life Currently Serve?

The Balanced Life is currently offering services in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. We have plans to expand to the following states soon: Illinois, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.