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GLP-1 in Boston, MA

A New Way to Think About Weight

For a long time, we’ve been told that weight management is just about willpower; that if you just tried harder, the numbers would go down. But we know now that for many people, that simply isn't the case. Sometimes, your biology fights against you.

At our practice in Newton Centre, we use GLP-1 agonists to level the playing field. This isn't about shame or pointing out flaws. We're giving you a tool that helps your body respond the way it’s supposed to. It quiets the noise in your head so you can focus on living your life, not just counting calories.

What is GLP-1 Therapy?

GLP-1 therapy is a weekly injection that mimics natural hormones to help you feel full, manage insulin levels, and stop the constant cravings that make losing weight so difficult.

These injectable medications copy a hormone your body already makes. This hormone tells your brain, "I'm full," and helps your body handle blood sugar spikes after you eat. It also slows down how fast food leaves your stomach, so you stay full longer.

Newer versions (like Tirzepatide) also target glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptors. In plain English? They hit two different buttons in your body to help you lose weight more effectively than diet and exercise alone.

GLP-1 Agonist Therapy At A Glance

Feature Details
Treatment Type Weekly medical weight loss injections (Small shot)
Pain Level Very low (Tiny needle)
Downtime None
Results You start feeling different in the first month
Boston GLP-1 model with brown hair

Benefits of GLP-1

The main goal is obviously to achieve a healthy weight, but the benefits go way beyond the number on the scale.

  • Protect Your Heart: Losing weight takes massive pressure off your system. It can improve cardiovascular health and lower the risk of heart disease or cardiovascular events.
  • Better Blood Numbers: These meds are powerful for blood sugar regulation. They help your body produce enough insulin and keep blood sugar stable.
  • Quiet the Mind: One of the biggest things patients tell us is that the "food noise" stops. You aren't obsessing over your food intake all day.
  • Move Better: Carrying excess weight is hard on your joints. Significant weight loss often means less pain and more energy to enjoy regular exercise.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

We are serious about safety. This isn't for someone trying to lose five pounds for a weekend trip. It is a medical treatment for weight-related health conditions.

You are likely a candidate if:

  • Your BMI is over 30 (obese individuals).
  • Your BMI is over 27, and you have other issues like high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or type 2 diabetes.
  • You want a comprehensive approach—meaning you are ready to make lifestyle changes, not just take a shot.

We check your medical history carefully. If you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), this isn't for you. Also, if you have severe kidney disease or pancreatitis, we will look at other treatment options.

GLP-1 Consultation and Preparation

You'll sit down with a member of our team and talk about your health history, your weight loss journey so far, and any other medications you are taking. We need to make sure this is safe for your kidney health and overall well-being.

To prepare for your treatment, drink plenty of water before you come in, and avoid heavy, greasy, or unhealthy foods the day before to keep your stomach settled.

The GLP-1 Process

Most patients take their medical weight loss injections once a week. It’s a tiny needle, and most people are surprised by how little they feel it. When you’re all set up, we will teach you how to self-administer the injections at home; no need to make time in your busy schedule for weekly appointments.

We start with a low dosage. We don't want to shock your system. We slowly increase the dose over time to make sure you have appetite control without feeling sick. We monitor your progress closely.

GLP-1 Recovery

There’s no "recovery" like a surgery would have, but your body does adjust.

  • Watch the Nausea: Some people feel a little queasy at first. Eating small meals and not letting yourself get to a totally empty stomach helps.
  • Prioritize Protein: Since your calorie intake will be lower, you need to make sure what you eat counts.
  • Drink Water: This is not a suggestion. You need water to avoid kidney injury and keep things moving.
  • Stay Active: While losing weight is great, losing muscle tone isn’t as nice. Keep up the yoga, pilates, or gym sessions to keep your body healthy and fit.
Boston GLP-1 model posing for photo

GLP-1 Results

Medical weight loss takes time, but it’s steady.

  • Month 1: You feel full faster. The cravings calm down.
  • Month 3: You start seeing a real difference in the mirror and in your clothes. Lower blood sugar levels are common here.
  • Months 6–12: This is where we see the big changes. Average weight loss can be 15–20% of your starting weight.

The Cost of GLP-1

Weight loss medication is an investment in your time, energy, and money. We want you to be sure about your decision and help you lose weight healthily.

For exact pricing, schedule your consultation for GLP-1 today.

Why Come to Dr. Russo?

If you think about it, right now you can get these medications almost anywhere. You can get them online, you can go to a medspa. And the truth is, the medicine is the medicine. Whether you get it from a website or a surgeon, the chemistry is the same.

But here is the thing people forget. If you're a 25-year-old patient who loses 30 or 40 pounds rapidly, your skin is most likely going to snap back. You’re going to look great. But if you take that same patient at 45 or 55, and they lose that same amount of weight, the result is going to be very different. The volume leaves the face, the skin relaxes, and suddenly, you might feel healthier, but you look tired.

I always ask my patients: Are we solving a problem or just trading one for another?

When you come here, we are looking at the whole board. We are looking at your face, your neck, your skin quality. We aren't just chasing a number on a scale. We are making sure that when you get to that goal weight, you actually look the way you imagined you would. That’s the difference between buying a prescription and having a doctor.

Boston GLP-1 model wearing a hat

GLP-1 Frequently Asked Questions

We do not accept insurance for GLP-1, but that gives us the advantage of offering these injections to those who aren’t insured. We can provide more information about costs during your consultation.

Generally, yes. Losing weight is one of the best things you can do for cardiovascular disease. We watch your blood pressure and heart rate to be sure.

If you stop the meds and go back to old habits, yes, you can. The goal is to build a healthy diet and lifestyle while you are on the medication so you can regain control for good.

Nausea is the big one. Serious stuff like allergic reaction or thyroid issues are very rare, but that’s why we screen your family history so strictly.

Yes. Modern GLP-1 agonists work much better than old stimulants or diet pills. They work with your body’s chemistry for better blood sugar control and safety.

Schedule your consultation today

575 Boylston Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459

Your body is constantly changing. Gravity, age, and the elements are constantly pulling at you. But you are not alone in this fight. The doctors and aesthetic experts at Joseph A Russo, MD are also in constant motion, relentlessly innovating better ways to overcome the entropic effects of time and gravity.