Medications or Surgery for Weight Loss? Insights from an Obesity Expert to Help You Decide

Medications or Surgery for Weight Loss? 

Deciding how to lose weight is complicated. For many people who are overweight, improving diet and increasing exercise do not result in desired, or long-term success. Surgical options provide substantial and long-lasting weight loss over time. Recently, new medications for weight loss have become available that are more effective than previously available. These medications offer additional options for those who need to lose weight.

Read on to learn key insights from David Lautz, MD, FACS, FASMBS, experienced bariatric surgeon and director of Emerson’s Center for Weight Loss, to help you decide which to try – medications or surgery for weight loss.

Understanding Medications for Weight Loss  

Weight loss prescriptions work in various ways, depending on which medication you choose. They can decrease your appetite, reduce fat absorption, or increase metabolism to help you lose weight. Since the more effective medications, called GLP-1 agonists, are still new, many unknowns remain. Research is underway.  

Side Effects of Medication 

Scientists and medical experts are learning more about how the body reacts to these new drugs. Side effects range from mild to severe, including nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. In addition:  

• Some reports suggest that a rare side effect may be a condition called NAION, which can result in vision loss.  

• Some medications come with risks for individuals with certain medical issues.  

• Some people report increased depression and an overall decline in their mental health.  

• Many people who take medications that need to be injected grow tired of giving themselves shots.  

• According to some data, the number of patients no longer taking the medication at a year is significant. This can result in weight regain.  

• Other patients struggle with a phobia to needles and find it very difficult or impossible to inject themselves.    
   

Effectiveness, Availability, and Cost  

While the new weight loss medications may provide a higher degree of weight loss than previously available medications, their effects can represent real hope for some patients suffering from obesity. However, since the medications are still new, their long-term effectiveness and impacts on the body are not well known.

GLP-1 is a hormone we all have that naturally increases after a meal and then returns to low levels. These new medications stimulate your body to make GLP-1 at high levels. The long-term impact of this ongoing high stimulation is not yet known.

In addition, most medications require a prescription from a doctor’s office. Not all health insurance covers their cost, and they can be expensive – approximately several hundred dollars each month. Check with your insurance carrier to learn what is covered and any out-of-pocket expenses associated with the medication.

Bottom line: Consult with an experienced healthcare provider to determine if weight loss medication is right for you.
 

Exploring Weight Loss Surgery  

Weight loss surgery (also known as bariatric surgery), such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, reduces the size of your stomach to restrict food intake, leading to substantial weight loss. Each type of procedure has both short and long-term benefits. The first bariatric surgeries were performed more than fifty years ago.

Scientific research and data prove that weight loss surgeries are highly effective for significant weight loss. Patients lose weight well beyond the results seen in clinical trials with the new medications. The surgical procedures have also been shown to be some of the safest performed in US hospitals.

Surgery is not a quick fix to lose weight, but a tool to aid people who need to lose more than 100 pounds and improve their overall health. Long-term success depends on adhering to diet and lifestyle changes.

Bottom line: It is essential to consult with an experienced weight loss surgeon before surgery. Support from a trusted team of experts, including a nutritionist, for years after surgery is also critical for lifelong success.

Get Expert Advice 

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for weight loss. Your overall health, goals, and potential side effects should guide your decision. Individuals with severe obesity or obesity-related health issues may benefit more from surgery. Seek guidance from experienced, non-judgmental healthcare providers, including physicians, nutritionists, and surgeons. They will discuss the options with you and provide recommendations based on your medical history and personal goals.