Understanding the Different Types of Weight Loss Treatments: Which One Is Right for You
Obesity is a common problem that can lead to many more problematic health issues, especially as you age. Those health problems include diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea, to name a few.
Unfortunately, in the United States, over 40% of adults are considered obese. Doctors and healthcare professionals often treat the other secondary conditions of obesity with medications, joint surgery, or other tools without addressing the underlying issue of weight.
Medical weight loss treatments can be helpful for those looking to lose pounds. Even if you’ve already been making dietary changes and adding exercise to your daily routine, you may still not have your weight under control.
So, are any of these weight loss treatments worth it? And which one will work best for you?
Here’s everything you need to know about treatment options for weight loss so you can choose the one that will help you most!
Bariatric Surgery
Surgery is probably the most invasive of all weight loss treatments since surgery comes with risks, some of which could be severe or even fatal. However, bariatric surgery can help you lose up to 70% of excess weight and keep it off.
This surgery is an umbrella term that covers a variety of different weight loss procedures, so you have some options to choose from, including:
- Gastric bypass is the most common surgery. In this surgery, the surgeon cuts across the stomach and seals it off, so your stomach holds far less food for a short period. When you eat, the food goes immediately from the small stomach to the small intestine.
- Sleeve gastrectomy removes most of the stomach, leaving only a long tube pouch. The smaller portion of the stomach left can’t hold much food, which helps lessen the desire to eat. This surgery can also be done less invasively with fewer risks, such as through Miami endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty treatments.
- Biliopancreatic division is a two-part surgery that begins with a sleeve gastrectomy. Then, the surgeon closes off the middle section of the intestine, attaching it to the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), allowing bile and pancreatic juices to flow into that part of the intestine. This procedure limits how much one can eat and reduces one's absorption of nutrients, so it does come with an extra risk of nutritional deficiency.
- Single-anastomosis duodenal bypass (SADI) is a surgery that also combines two steps: a bypass with sleeve gastrectomy. A section of the small intestine is closed below the new stomach sleeve, and the opening below is connected to a part of the lower small intestine. This gives the body less time and distance to absorb fat and calories.
If you are considering weight loss surgery, it’s best to consult your healthcare professional to consider all factors. Surgeons will examine various factors, including your body mass index, health issues, prior surgeries, and risks, to help determine which procedures would yield the best results with the least effect on your recovery.
It’s important to note that after a weight loss surgery, you are generally not allowed to eat for at least a couple of days so that your digestive system can heal. Before introducing foods, you must follow a specific diet for over a few weeks, usually with only liquids.
You’ll also have frequent follow-up appointments and checkups so your doctor can monitor your health afterward and ensure your recovery is going smoothly. You may need more lab work like blood tests or other exams.
Weight Loss Medications
If you want to avoid surgery altogether, you could speak to a healthcare expert about medications. There has been a massive turn to weight loss drugs as a way to help treat obesity in recent years.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, more commonly known as GLP1 drugs, are getting much attention. Most of the determination for these drugs is your BMI, but it could involve having other co-morbidities, like pre-diabetes or other health issues, for candidacy.
Semaglutide (Wegovy)
The FDA approved semaglutide in 2021, with Ozempic being the first prescribed for those with diabetes, and Wegovy is the same drug but made just for those wanting to lose weight. It’s usually given as an injection once weekly, gradually increasing each month to arrive at a maintenance dosage.
Many experience side effects, including constipation, nausea, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Your doctor or healthcare provider must monitor your side effects against your dosage.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
Mounjaro was the drug for type 2 diabetes that was approved, later with Zepbound, to treat obesity in adults with a BMI of 30 or more. It works like semaglutide but boasts fewer side effects and more weight loss.
There are other weight loss drugs like Saxenda, which is injected daily, and Phentermine, which is a widely used pill medication. The injection drugs need to be taken in specific areas where there is a more significant amount of fat - the abdomen, upper arms, and thighs.
Other Types of Weight Loss Treatments
If you don’t want medications or surgery, there are very few options, but still some that you can consider for weight loss, which include:
- Meal replacement programs
- Working directly with a Nutritionist/Dietitian
- Intragastric balloons
With all types of treatments, one of the main takeaways you must understand is that it’s not a fix-all situation. You must commit to permanent changes to your health, fitness, and lifestyle habits to ensure long-term success.
Which Weight Loss Treatment is Best?
Speaking with your doctor, healthcare provider, or other professional will help you find the best. Assess your needs and what changes you’re willing to make, and ask many questions until you are satisfied you have all of the answers.
You may not be a candidate for some treatments or have insurance that covers them, so cost could also be a factor. Discuss risks and prepare yourself by focusing on nutrition and physical activity to see how well you’ll sustain yourself during or after treatment. It’s possible not to lose significant weight or regain weight after treatment.
Everyone has different needs, and not all treatments may work so you may try multiple treatments. Explore your options, work with your doctor or a healthcare professional, and find the most effective solutions for your weight loss.