Medical Weight Loss in Encino

Medical Weight Loss in Encino, CA — Semaglutide & Tirzepatide Programs by Dr. Raeesy

If you've tried diet and exercise and still haven't achieved the results you're looking for, you're not failing — you're dealing with biology. Obesity and stubborn weight gain have a hormonal and metabolic dimension that willpower alone cannot overcome. That's where physician-supervised GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have changed the picture entirely.

At Balboa Medical Centre & Spa in Encino, Dr. Amir Raeesy — a board-certified internist with over 14 years of experience in internal medicine and metabolic health — offers medically supervised weight loss programs using semaglutide and tirzepatide. Every program is personally designed around your health history, current condition, and goals. This is not a subscription box or a telehealth questionnaire — it is physician-led care with monitoring, dose adjustments, and ongoing support.

📍 16311 Ventura Blvd, Suite 955, Encino, CA 91436 — serving Encino, Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys & the San Fernando Valley 📞 (818) 701-0017 | balboamedicalcentre.com

What Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1 — a hormone your body naturally produces after eating that regulates appetite, slows gastric emptying, and controls blood sugar. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications mimic this hormone, producing a sustained effect that reduces hunger, decreases cravings, and helps patients naturally eat less without feeling deprived.

Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications were quickly found to produce significant weight loss — leading to FDA approval for chronic weight management. They represent the most clinically significant advance in obesity medicine in decades.

At Balboa Medical Centre, we offer two leading GLP-1 medications:

• Semaglutide — a GLP-1 receptor agonist (brand names Wegovy® for weight loss, Ozempic® for diabetes)
• Tirzepatide — a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist (brand names Zepbound® for weight loss, Mounjaro® for diabetes)

Both are administered as once-weekly subcutaneous injections and are started at a low dose, then gradually increased over several weeks to minimize side effects and find the dose that works best for you.

Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide — Which Is Right for You?

Both medications are highly effective, but they work through slightly different mechanisms and produce different average results in clinical trials. Dr. Raeesy will review your full medical history and health goals to recommend the best option for your situation.

SemaglutideSemaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors to reduce appetite and slow digestion. In the landmark STEP-1 clinical trial, participants taking semaglutide 2.4mg weekly alongside lifestyle intervention lost an average of approximately 15% of body weight over 68 weeks, compared to around 2.4% in the placebo group. It has a well-established long-term safety record and is also available as a daily oral tablet (Rybelsus) for diabetes management.

TirzepatideTirzepatide activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors — a dual mechanism that produces more powerful appetite suppression and metabolic effects. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, participants taking tirzepatide at 15mg lost an average of approximately 20-21% of body weight over 72 weeks. A 2025 head-to-head trial comparing the two medications found tirzepatide produced meaningfully greater average weight loss. For patients who have plateaued on semaglutide or who are looking for the most effective option from the start, tirzepatide is often the stronger choice.

💡 Dr. Raeesy's recommendation is always based on your individual health profile, not a preference for one product over another. Both medications require gradual dose escalation, both have similar side effect profiles, and both require medical supervision to use safely and effectively.

How the Program Works

Step 1: Medical ConsultationDr. Raeesy reviews your full medical history, current medications, weight history, and health goals. This is not a cursory intake — it is a thorough internal medicine evaluation that ensures GLP-1 therapy is appropriate, safe, and correctly dosed for you. Contraindications, drug interactions, and any underlying conditions are assessed before any prescription is written.

Step 2: Lab WorkBaseline bloodwork is obtained to assess metabolic health, thyroid function, blood sugar, kidney and liver function, and lipids. This establishes a baseline and screens for any conditions that would affect treatment decisions.

Step 3: Personalized Treatment PlanBased on your consultation and labs, Dr. Raeesy designs a dose escalation schedule tailored to you — starting low to minimize side effects and increasing gradually toward a maintenance dose. You are not placed on a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Step 4: Weekly InjectionsInjections are self-administered once weekly using a small needle into fatty tissue — typically the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Most patients find this straightforward after the first administration. The clinic team is available for guidance and support throughout.

Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring & AdjustmentsRegular follow-up visits allow Dr. Raeesy to monitor your progress, assess tolerability, adjust dosing if needed, and address any concerns. Repeat labs are conducted periodically. Weight loss medication works best as part of a supervised program — not as a standalone prescription.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

GLP-1 weight loss medications are FDA-approved for adults who meet one of the following criteria:

• BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), or
• BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes

Beyond BMI, good candidates are those who have not achieved sufficient results through diet and exercise alone, are committed to lifestyle changes alongside medication, and do not have contraindications including a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2).

GLP-1 medications are not appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and are used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or certain gastrointestinal conditions. Dr. Raeesy's medical evaluation will identify any factors that would affect your candidacy.

What Results Can I Expect?

Results vary meaningfully by individual — metabolism, starting weight, adherence, lifestyle factors, and dose all play a role. Clinical trial averages give a useful benchmark: semaglutide produced approximately 15% average body weight loss over 68 weeks, and tirzepatide approximately 20-21% over 72 weeks, in patients who remained on treatment.

Weight loss is typically gradual, accumulating over 12 to 18 months before plateauing. Most patients begin noticing reduced appetite and early weight changes within the first few weeks of reaching an effective dose. Long-term results depend on staying on the medication — weight tends to return when GLP-1 therapy is discontinued without accompanying lifestyle changes in place.

Beyond the scale, patients often report improvements in energy, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar control, and sleep — benefits that extend well beyond aesthetics.

Side Effects and What to Expect

The most common side effects of both semaglutide and tirzepatide are gastrointestinal and are driven by the same GLP-1 mechanism — slowing of gastric emptying. These include:

• Nausea (most common, particularly during dose increases)
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Vomiting
• Mild abdominal discomfort
• Fatigue, particularly in the first few weeks

The slow, gradual dose escalation built into both protocols is specifically designed to minimize these effects. For most patients, GI symptoms are most pronounced during the first week or two at a new dose and improve significantly as the body adjusts. Eating smaller meals, avoiding high-fat foods, and staying well hydrated all help.

Serious adverse events are rare but include a small increased risk of gallbladder disease and, based on animal studies (not human data), an FDA boxed warning regarding medullary thyroid cancer in patients with relevant personal or family history. Dr. Raeesy discusses all risks and contraindications in full during your consultation.

Why Physician Supervision Matters

The accessibility of GLP-1 medications through telehealth services and online platforms has expanded rapidly — but it has also created real risks. Many direct-to-consumer services lack access to a patient's complete medical history, cannot perform in-person physical examinations, and do not conduct the lab monitoring necessary to catch problems early or adjust treatment safely.

At Balboa Medical Centre, every patient in our weight loss program is personally evaluated and monitored by Dr. Raeesy — a board-certified internist trained in exactly the kind of metabolic and systemic medicine these medications require. You have a physician, not an algorithm, managing your care.

Medical Weight Loss in Encino — Frequently Asked Questions

How is semaglutide different from Ozempic?Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide — the same active ingredient. Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management at doses up to 2.0mg; Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management at 2.4mg. The distinction is in the approved indication and dosing, not the medication itself.

Is tirzepatide the same as Mounjaro?Yes. Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide approved for type 2 diabetes. Zepbound is the brand name for tirzepatide approved specifically for chronic weight management.

How long do I need to stay on the medication?GLP-1 medications are not a short-term fix. Most patients remain on treatment for at least 12 months to achieve full results. Many continue long-term. Weight typically returns after stopping, particularly without significant lifestyle changes in place. Dr. Raeesy discusses long-term planning with every patient.

Can I use GLP-1 medications alongside aesthetic treatments?Yes — and many patients find that weight loss with GLP-1s works synergistically with aesthetic treatments. As the body changes shape, treatments like body contouring, skin tightening, and facial rejuvenation can complement and enhance results. Dr. Raeesy's practice spans both internal medicine and aesthetic care, making Balboa Medical Centre a uniquely equipped provider.

Do you offer Ozempic in Encino?We offer semaglutide-based weight loss treatment as part of our supervised medical weight loss program. Please contact our office to discuss availability, current protocols, and whether this treatment is appropriate for your health profile.

How do I get started?Call (818) 701-0017 or book online at balboamedicalcentre.com to schedule your consultation with Dr. Raeesy. Our clinic is at 16311 Ventura Blvd, Suite 955, Encino, CA 91436.

Ready to Start Your Weight Loss Journey in Encino?Book a personal consultation with Dr. Raeesy — board-certified internist and the physician behind every treatment plan at Balboa Medical Centre & Spa. 📞 (818) 701-0017 | 16311 Ventura Blvd #955, Encino, CA 91436 balboamedicalcentre.com | English · Farsi · Español