Weight loss injectable medications are increasing in popularity, making availability scarce and the price out of reach for many who do not qualify through insurance. While weight loss drugs and injectables can be an effective short-term strategy, the long-term success and tolerance for side effects of these medications is still being researched. 

Instead of taking part in a doctor-supervised medical weight loss program that may utilize weight loss injectables like Ozempic and Wegovy, many people have turned to unregulated copycat versions found at compounding pharmacies. Compound pharmacies make medications for people who have certain medication needs or requirements. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, meaning they do not verify the safety or effectiveness of them.

Compounded Weight Loss Injectable Risk

The FDA is warning people that the off-brand versions of these popular drugs could be unsafe.  The FDA has received “adverse event reports” after patients used compounded semaglutide. They say that some compounding pharmacies may be selling other formulations of Semaglutide. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, and is a synthetic version of a hormone known as GLP-1, which the body releases into the intestines when people eat food. The hormone leads to a reduced appetite and slows down stomach emptying, which may contribute to feeling full.

The FDA says people should not use a compounded drug if an approved drug is available.

Benefits of Doctor Supervised Weight Loss

Opting for weight loss injectables through a doctor-supervised medical weight loss program, such as the one at New York Bariatric Group, offers numerous advantages that far outweigh the risks associated with self-administered or unreliable sources.

One of the primary reasons to choose a doctor-supervised medical weight loss program is the assurance of professional guidance and expertise. Unlike over-the-counter products, these programs are led by qualified physicians who specialize in weight management and have extensive knowledge of the human body’s complexities. 

The team at New York Bariatric Group carefully evaluates each patient's:

  • Medical history
  • Current health conditions
  • Individual needs to determine the most suitable treatment plan
  • Metabolic and bloodwork testing prior to starting any program or any weight loss injections

Weight loss injectables provided by a reputable medical weight loss program undergo rigorous testing and adhere to strict quality standards. This significantly reduces the risk of adverse reactions and ensures that patients receive safe and reliable products. By contrast, getting injectables from non-medical sources may expose individuals to potentially harmful substances or impurities.

Rather than relying solely on injectables, New York Bariatric Group incorporates a combination of treatments, including dietary counseling, exercise regimens, and lifestyle modifications. This comprehensive approach addresses the root causes of weight gain and empowers individuals to develop sustainable habits for long-term weight loss success.

"Embarking on a weight loss journey can be daunting, but you are not alone”, says Dr. Nikhilesh Sekhar, one of the leading physicians at New York Bariatric Group. “Our team at New York Bariatric Group is committed to supporting you at every step. Together, we can transform your health and your life. Remember, it's not just about losing weight; it's about gaining wellness, vitality, and a brighter future. Trust us, and trust in your capacity to make positive change. It's time to start your journey to a healthier you!"

New York Bariatric Group Difference

New York Bariatric Group’s doctor-supervised medical weight loss program is committed to patient safety and well-being. Patients benefit from regular monitoring and follow-up appointments. This ongoing supervision allows doctors to make necessary adjustments to a patient’s treatment plan based on their progress and any changes in their health status. It ensures that the weight loss journey is personalized and optimized for each individual, leading to more effective outcomes.

New York Bariatric Group is a leader in long-term weight-loss solutions. It’s bariatric practice is the best around and they have the numbers to prove it:

  • Over 30 surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics, plastic surgery, veins, and medical weight loss.
  • 36,000 successful procedures performed with more every day
  • The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
  • Access to online seminars, support groups, cooking demos, and Q-and-A sessions
  • 100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and showcasing previous patients
  • Multiple offices located in three states; NY, NJ, CT
  • Since 2000, we boast over 23 years of success!

All of our hospitals are Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accredited facilities, which is a prestigious designation bestowed upon only the top quality bariatric programs.

Stop waiting; start achieving better health today. Together, we’ve got this!

New York Bariatric Group is implementing and enforcing strict guidelines put out by the Center of Disease Control and the Department of Health in order to keep our staff and patients safe.

We are offering in-person and virtual consultations to ensure that everyone is able to get the information and care they deserve without feeling pressure to leave their home.


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Medical Weight Loss: The Safe Approach

Thomas

lost 145lbs

Thomas' success story

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

5.0

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

Listen to Thomas’ testimonial

Nicole

lost 76lbs

Nicole's success story

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

5.0

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

Listen to Nicole’s testimonial

Robert

lost 76lbs

Robert's success story

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

5.0

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

Listen to Robert’s testimonial

Samantha

lost 92lbs

Samantha's success story

I feel like a completely different person.

5.0

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

Listen to Samantha’s testimonial

Eileen

lost 99lbs

Eileen's success story

It saved my life.

5.0

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

Listen to Eileen’s testimonial

Brittany

lost 126lbs

Brittany's success story

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

5.0

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

Listen to Brittany’s testimonial

Desiree

lost 157lbs

Desiree's success story

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

5.0

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

Listen to Desiree’s testimonial

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