Losing weight can be a challenging process. Programs like Golo and Calibrate aim to make it simpler by providing customized plans, coaching, and nutritional supplements or prescribed medications.
But with different approaches, which program works best? This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between Golo and Calibrate.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Golo | Calibrate |
| Approach | Proprietary supplements, education | Prescription meds, 1:1 nutrition coaching |
| Cost | $49-$209 initial, $49-$69/month | $149 doctor fee, $99/month |
| Food Plan | Structured meal plans, limit carbs/sugar | Personalized balanced nutrition |
| Support | Weekly online coaching, forums | Scheduled video calls with dedicated coach |
| Best For | Affordability, structured plans | Customization, doctor supervision |
Overview of Golo and Calibrate
- Golo
Golo is a holistic approach to weight management that delves beyond just calorie counting. At its core, Golo aims to stabilize blood sugar levels which, in theory, should reduce fat storage and enhance the body’s ability to burn fat.
Central to this approach is their proprietary supplement named ‘Release’. This supplement has been designed to help control blood sugar levels, thus minimizing food cravings, particularly for sugary foods.
Alongside this, participants in the Golo program are given comprehensive nutrition guidance tailored to their individual needs.
To further support users in their journey, Golo also provides online coaching sessions, ensuring that everyone has the resources they need to achieve their weight loss goals.
- Calibrate
Calibrate offers a medical approach to weight loss, taking advantage of the advancements in telehealth. Rather than providing generalized advice or relying solely on supplements, Calibrate connects users with real doctors via online platforms.
After a thorough assessment, these medical professionals prescribe FDA-approved medications that have been proven to assist with weight loss. One such medication is semaglutide, which has been shown in clinical studies to significantly aid in weight reduction.
But Calibrate doesn’t stop at medication. They combine this with individualized nutrition coaching, ensuring that users not only lose weight but also learn how to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
This comprehensive approach addresses both the biological and behavioral aspects of weight management.
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Key Differences Between Golo And Calibrate
Golo and Calibrate offer different approaches to weight loss and health. While Golo emphasizes dietary supplements and a specific diet plan, Calibrate focuses on a personalized medical approach with prescriptions and dietary coaching. Let’s explore their key differences:
1. How They Work
Golo Approach:
Golo’s main offering is the “Golo Release” supplement, which customers are advised to take alongside their meals. This supplement is thought to enhance metabolism, but scientific evidence supporting this claim might be limited.
When you sign up, you’re assigned a meal plan, either step 1, 2, or 3, designed according to your weight loss goals. To maintain accountability, Golo offers weekly online coaching check-ins.
Beyond their signature supplement, Golo emphasizes the importance of education to guide users through the weight loss journey.
Calibrate Approach:
Calibrate adopts a medical-centric approach to weight loss. Their program kicks off with prescribed weight loss medications, such as semaglutide, which is an FDA-approved medication for weight management.
Apart from medicines, customers receive a nutrition plan that’s tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The distinguishing feature of Calibrate is its one-on-one coaching sessions with a registered dietitian, ensuring users have a clear understanding of their nutritional needs and progress.
Lastly, Calibrate emphasizes education on long-term health and lifestyle changes, equipping users for sustained wellbeing.
2. Cost and Payment Plans
Golo Costs:
Golo has an initial cost ranging from $49 to $209 for its supplement package. After this, users are expected to pay a monthly fee, ranging from $49 to $69 for continuous supply of the supplements.
An advantage to this pricing model is that there are no additional charges for coaching. Moreover, users can benefit from discounts on multi-month purchases.
Calibrate Pricing:
Calibrate’s program begins with a $149 consultation with a doctor. After this, a $99 monthly subscription fee covers both the medication and coaching sessions.
Customers have the option to either pay month-to-month or make an upfront payment of $660 for a six-month subscription. It’s worth noting that additional medications like Metformin might incur additional costs or copays.
3. Foods and Diet
Golo Diet:
Golo’s dietary approach focuses on cutting out sugars and processed carbohydrates, considering them as primary culprits for weight gain. Instead, the program emphasizes the consumption of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
Depending on your weight loss goals, the plans might limit caloric intake, but there’s flexibility as no foods are deemed strictly off-limits. This aims to prevent feelings of deprivation.
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Calibrate Diet:
Calibrate, on the other hand, prioritizes a balanced nutritional approach. The plan is crafted according to individual preferences, laying emphasis on proteins, fresh produce, and whole grains.
While it doesn’t label any foods as “off-limits,” the program provides guidance on portion control. Its philosophy revolves around building sustainable, healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime.
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4. Level of Support
Golo Support:
Golo offers a digital support system through its app, where users can access a variety of recipes and dietary information. The weekly check-ins with an online coach aim to keep users on track.
For general inquiries or concerns, users can reach out via email or chat. Additionally, Golo has set up forum discussions, allowing users to share experiences, challenges, and successes with their peers.
Calibrate Support:
Calibrate’s support system is more intimate and tailored. Users get one-on-one coaching with a dedicated dietitian, which can be invaluable for addressing personal challenges and questions.
Scheduled video calls ensure accountability, while the platform allows users to message their coach anytime. Additionally, Calibrate offers optional social support groups for those who prefer group motivation and camaraderie.
Pros and Cons Overview
| Golo | Calibrate |
| Pros:- Affordable compared to medical weight loss- Supplements help control blood sugar and hunger- Weekly coaching check-ins – Structured eating plan guidance- Money-back satisfaction guarantee | Pros: – Fully personalized plan tailored to you – Prescription weight loss meds boost results – 1:1 coaching relationship- Develops sustainable lifestyle habits – Doctor supervision for health |
| Cons: – Less individual customization – Rigid eating plans can be hard to sustain – Limited direct contact with coaches – Monthly supplement costs add up | Cons: – High monthly costs especially long-term – May need to try different meds – Video calls only at scheduled times – Less structure for some – Requires doctor appointment for prescription access |
Best For…
Golo:
- Seeking structured eating guidance
- Motivated by weekly check-ins
- Prefer supplements over prescription meds
- Want an affordable option
Calibrate:
- Custom personalized plan
- Medically-supervised weight loss
- 1:1 dedicated coaching
- Developing sustainable habits
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The main difference is that Calibrate prescribes FDA-approved medications like semaglutide along with lifestyle coaching, while Found focuses solely on nutrition planning, behavior changes and accountability coaching.
GOLO claims users can expect to lose 1-3 lbs per week on their program. Most members begin seeing weight loss results within the first 1-2 weeks when following the meal plans and taking supplements consistently.
GOLO does not ban any foods, but does recommend limiting processed carbohydrates, sugars, fried foods and excessive saturated fats for optimal blood sugar control and weight loss.
The recommended time on Calibrate is 6-12 months in order to change behaviors and lose weight sustainably. Your doctor will determine the right medication duration for your situation and goals. You can cancel Calibrate at any time.
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The Takeaway
Golo and Calibrate both help you lose weight, but take very different approaches. Golo is more affordable and structured, while Calibrate offers personal customization. Decide whether prescription meds, 1:1 coaching or community support will give you the best path to your goals.