IV Therapy & Weight Loss

 IV therapy and weight loss injections offer targeted treatments that restore hydration, provide essential nutrients, and aid in weight management.

Weight loss injections provide support for individuals looking to manage their weight effectively. DeRosa Center offers tirzepatide and semaglutide injections for weight loss, two well-researched options designed to aid in long-term weight control.

What are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?

Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are injectable medications used initially for managing type 2 diabetes, that were found to have the remarkable and unexpected side effects of significant weight loss. They belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which increases insulin secretion, decreases glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying. This combination helps lower blood sugar levels after meals and promotes fullness, which can contribute to reduced food intake. But the real mechanisms underlying their extraordinary effectiveness in weight loss lie in their effects within the brain. Both semaglutide and tirzepatide act on areas of the brain, including parts of the hypothalamus that regulate hunger, fullness, and cravings to turn off hunger signaling to a degree, which results in a state of negative energy balance that helps the majority of patients lose weight.

Semaglutide: The Basics

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist widely studied and used to manage type 2 diabetes. It’s marketed under brand names such as Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight loss). Semaglutide enhances the body’s natural ability to regulate blood sugar levels, making it easier for people with diabetes to maintain control over their condition.

Key Benefits of Semaglutide:

• Effective Blood Sugar Control: Semaglutide has been shown to significantly lower HbA1c levels, a key marker of long-term blood sugar control.
• Weight Loss: Many patients experience substantial weight loss while taking Semaglutide, which is beneficial for those struggling with obesity.
• Cardiovascular Benefits: Studies have indicated that Semaglutide can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, in people who are at high risk for these, including those with type 2 diabetes.

Tirzepatide: A Dual-Action Agent

Tirzepatide is a newer medication that combines the actions of GLP-1 and another hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). This dual-action approach makes Tirzepatide unique and potentially more effective in managing blood sugar levels and weight.

Key Benefits of Tirzepatide:

• Enhanced Blood Sugar Control: Tirzepatide has shown superior efficacy in lowering HbA1c levels compared to other GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Semaglutide.
• Significant Weight Loss: Clinical trials have demonstrated that Tirzepatide can lead to more pronounced weight loss compared to Semaglutide, which is promising for patients with obesity.
• Dual Hormone Action: By targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, the appetite and craving suppression is much stronger than with semaglutide alone, and the addition of the GIP component acts to decrease the nausea and vomiting side effect that can occur with semaglutide.
• Improvement in obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that has many negative effects on all aspects of health, has recently been validated and tirzepatide has received FDA-approval for treatment of this condition, as well as type-2 diabetes and obesity.

These benefits only highlight those that have been confirmed through the FDA testing process. Other beneficial effects of these medications that have been seen in preliminary research and are still being investigated include the treatment of fatty liver disease and addiction disorders.

Comparing Semaglutide and Tirzepatide 

While both medications are effective for helping most patients lose weight, some key differences may influence which one is the best choice for a particular patient.

Mechanism of Action:

• Semaglutide: It works solely as a GLP-1 receptor agonist in the brain, causing less hunger and reduced cravings for food.
• Tirzepatide: Combines the actions of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists, providing a greater reduction in appetite than semaglutide alone.

Efficacy:

• Blood Sugar Control: In clinical trials, tirzepatide has been shown to lower HbA1c (a measurement that reflects blood glucose levels over three months; it is used to screen for diabetes and to monitor glucose control in patients with diabetes or pre-diabetes) levels more effectively than Semaglutide.
• Weight Loss: Tirzepatide (studied as Zepbound) also showed greater weight loss compared to Semaglutide (FDA-approved as Wegovy), making it an attractive option for patients seeking weight management benefits.

Side Effects:

• Both medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, the incidence and severity of these side effects can vary between individuals.
• Tirzepatide’s dual-action mechanism may result in a different side effect profile compared to Semaglutide, and ongoing studies continue to evaluate these differences. Tirzepatide tends to cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects (nausea and vomiting) compared to semaglutide despite showing more significant weight loss over time.

Administration:

• Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are given by weekly subcutaneous injection. 

Who Should Consider These Medications for Weight loss? 

For Weight Loss:

• The FDA-approved indications for use of Wegovy (semaglutide, Novo Nordisk) and Zepbound (tirzepatide, made by Eli Lilly) are individuals with obesity – with a BMI of 30 or higher, and individuals with a BMI of 27 who have at least 1 “comorbid” health condition are eligible for (but NOT assured of) insurance-coverage of these medications as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan. “Comorbid condition” means that patients have other health conditions that are either caused by or contributed to by the presence of obesity. High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and type-2 diabetes are all conditions that can often result from being overweight or obese. Semaglutide (Wegovy) is already FDA-approved specifically for weight loss in this these populations, as is Zepbound (tirzepatide). Tirzepatide’s superior weight loss efficacy makes it a promising option for patients seeking significant weight reduction or who have severe nausea and vomiting with semaglutide.
• At the DeRosa Center, we understand that many patients want to improve their health or quality of life through weight loss and that BMI is not a perfect indicator of healthy or optimal weight. We don’t believe that BMI alone should be the determining factor in whether a patient is granted access to these medications. We are also mindful of the potential harm to patients who have body dysmorphia, eating disorders, or low self-esteem. Our approach involves individual evaluations with one of our doctors or nurse practitioners to determine whether treatment with these medications is appropriate.

IV therapy delivers nutrients, vitamins, and hydration directly into the bloodstream, allowing the body to absorb nutrients more efficiently than oral supplements.

At the DeRosa Center for Facial Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, IV infusion therapy options include:

• Hydration Hangover IV: Restores hydration and supports recovery with an H2 blocker add-on available.
• Inner Beauty IV: Reduces wrinkles, strengthens hair, skin, and nails, and improves elasticity with ascorbic acid, Olympia vita-complex (B vitamins), and biotin.
• Get Up and Go IV: Boosts metabolism, reduces fatigue, and promotes fat-burning with amino acids and Olympia vita-complex (B vitamins).
• NAD Infusions: Supports mental clarity, memory, focus, endurance, and chronic fatigue relief with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD).
• Glutathione (Add-on): A potent antioxidant that enhances immune function, detoxifies, and improves complexion.
• H2 Blocker (Add-on): A potent medication that helps to decrease nausea and reduce excess stomach acid that may occur after excessive alcohol or food intake.

Schedule a consultation at our Boston, MA practice to find out how personalized IV therapy and weight loss injectables can be designed to meet your health and wellness needs.

IV therapy replenishes essential nutrients, while weight loss injectables support metabolic balance and appetite control. DeRosa Center for Facial Plastic Surgery & Med Spa offers these holistic approaches with the following health and wellness advantages:

IV Therapy

• Rapid hydration and nutrient absorption
• Enhanced skin health and collagen production
• Increased energy levels and reduced fatigue
• Improved immune function
• Support for cognitive clarity and mental focus

Weight Loss Injections

• Appetite control and reduced cravings
• Improved metabolic function
• Support for long-term weight loss
• Stabilized blood sugar levels
• Enhanced overall well-being

Supporting overall wellness requires expert care and customized treatment plans. At DeRosa Center for Facial Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, our experienced team provides advanced IV therapy and weight loss injectables tailored to individual health needs. Whether restoring hydration, enhancing skin health, or supporting weight loss, our treatments offer effective solutions with compassionate care. Visit our Boston, MA practice to schedule a consultation and experience the benefits of expert-led IV infusion therapy and weight loss injections.