Millions of Americans resolve to reinvent their lifestyles by eating healthier and losing weight. With so many medical options available, deciding which path to take can be overwhelming.
Whatever route you choose, remember that there is no magic bullet for sustainable weight loss. Long-term success requires commitment to lifestyle changes, including a heart-healthy diet and daily exercise.
鈥淓veryone seeking to lose weight will benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, which includes a balanced diet, exercise, and often therapy,鈥 says Ellen Morrow, MD, associate professor of surgery at 香蕉视频 of Utah Health. 鈥淲hether you choose medication or surgery, this approach will ensure better long-term results.鈥
Weight Loss Medication
With the advent of prescription medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, many are hopeful that this could finally mark the end of their ongoing weight loss battles. GLP-1 drugs work by lowering blood sugar levels and decreasing hunger.
Here are some questions you should discuss with your doctor:
Am I a Good Candidate? These products are usually recommended for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30 and 40, especially those with type 2 diabetes.
What Are the Side Effects? Since GLP-1 weight loss drugs are relatively new, not much is known about their long-term side effects. However, they have been known to cause issues for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as reflux.
How Soon Will the Weight Come Off? The weight loss rate with these medications may be slower than bariatric surgery and varies depending on the patient.
Will I Get ? Significant weight loss can sometimes lead to wrinkles. It鈥檚 important to stay on top of your workout routine to prevent muscle mass loss.
A Word of Caution: Beware of unapproved compounded versions of this drug, which could be less effective or have other unknown side effects.
Bariatric Surgery
Long before GLP-1 weight loss drugs entered the scene, bariatric surgery has been a highly effective solution for people with excess body fat who are struggling to lose the weight.
鈥淚f you're considering weight loss surgery, it's worth discussing with your doctor,鈥 Morrow says. 鈥淢any of my patients are very happy with the outcome and tell me they wish they had done it sooner.鈥
Consider these questions:
What Are My Options? The most common bariatric surgery options are:
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: This surgery restricts the size of the stomach by removing about two-thirds of it and shaping it into a banana-like form. With a much smaller stomach, patients feel fuller faster. Patients can expect to lose 50-70% of excess weight within the first year.
- Gastric Bypass: This surgery reroutes the small intestine and creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach, reducing its size and limiting meal portions. Patients have a 90% chance of maintaining significant weight loss (about 30% of their total body weight).
Am I a Good Candidate? Surgery is recommended for people with a BMI over 40 or 35 with one or more weight-related medical issues, including:
- Coronary artery disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High fats in your blood (hyperlipidemia)
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea
What Are the Side Effects? After surgery, you will need to restrict your portion sizes because the stomach is much smaller. You may also experience GI side effects such as acid reflux, ulcers, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
What Lifestyle Changes Should I Consider? After recovering from surgery, it's important to eat healthy, exercise, take vitamins, and minimize alcohol consumption. And if you鈥檙e a smoker, you must quit that habit prior to surgery.
When Will I Hit My Goal? Expect to see significant weight loss by six months after surgery. However, you will also undergo a medically supervised weight loss program at least three months prior to surgery.
Keep an Open Mind
For many of us, weight loss is hard, especially for those who are dealing with hormonal changes or medical issues. If you鈥檙e feeling stuck, talk to your doctor about a medical solution to help move the needle on the scale.
鈥淚t鈥檚 time to seek professional help if your weight is affecting your mobility or causing you pain,鈥 Morrow says. 鈥淲hether it's medication or surgery, we just want our patients to have the best options so they can improve their overall health."
