Weight Loss Wars: Bariatric Surgery v/s Semaglutide-Unveiling the Contenders

Losing weight can seem like a formidable challenge, and many individuals, faced with the global obesity epidemic that affected over 650 million adults by 2023, seek additional assistance to combat “diabesity.” A growing trend revolves around the use of blockbuster weight loss injection shots, with notable brands such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro making headlines.

While weight loss surgery remains the most potent method for shedding excess weight, there is significant buzz surrounding the efficacy of weight loss injections. Semaglutide, commonly known as Ozempic, stands out as a frequently prescribed medication to aid individuals in their weight loss journey and achieve their fitness objectives.

Indeed, several weight loss injections are available, including Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro (trizepatide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Rybelsus (semaglutide). These medications are part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist class and are prescribed to aid in weight management by influencing hormones that regulate blood sugar and appetite. Each medication may have specific characteristics and considerations, and their effectiveness can vary from person to person.

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a medication commonly used for weight management. Originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has also shown effectiveness in promoting weight loss. It works by mimicking the action of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. As a weight loss medication, semaglutide is often prescribed under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro, operates in a manner akin to semaglutide by decelerating the digestive process.

What is Dulaglutide?

Dulaglutide, available under the brand name Trulicity, is an injectable medication that promotes weight loss by enhancing blood sugar control.

Semaglutide vs Bariatric Surgery: Expected Weight Loss

In bariatric surgery:

Gastric sleeve surgery involves removing approximately three-quarters of the stomach, forming it into a sleeve resembling a banana. In a Roux-en-Y operation, the stomach is reduced to the size of a walnut, and the small intestine is rearranged to limit calorie absorption. The adjustable gastric band restricts stomach size without permanent division.

Beyond significant weight loss, these procedures effectively address conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and heart disease. They also mitigate the risk of arthritis, cancer, strokes, and more. A comprehensive 2021 review revealed a 50% reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality after weight loss surgery. Notably, individuals with diabetes undergoing surgery experienced an average extension of nine years in life expectancy.

Many individuals contemplating weight loss surgery may also question whether injections offer a preferable alternative. Currently, weight loss surgery stands out as the most effective approach to address obesity. Gastric sleeve surgery, being the predominant choice, constitutes up to 80% of all weight loss surgeries performed.

The outcomes reveal that the weight loss surgery cohort achieved double the weight loss compared to the group utilizing weight loss injections. Consequently, it becomes evident that weight loss surgery is notably superior in achieving sustained, long-term weight loss.

Cost emerges as a pivotal consideration for many individuals when selecting a weight loss intervention. Unfortunately, most insurance providers do not cover weight loss medications. While a generic form of phentermine is available, it can be challenging to locate. In contrast, semaglutide, being a patented medication, lacks a generic version and poses a significant financial burden for most. Out-of-pocket expenses for a month’s supply of semaglutide can soar to around rupees 80,000. Adding to this financial strain, users must commit to long-term use to prevent weight regain. Consider the average expenditure required to sustain semaglutide over a ten-year period.

Final Thoughts

Consider bariatric surgery if you’re looking for a long-term weight loss solution. Not only can you expect to lose twice the amount of weight you would lose on injections, but you won’t have to remain on the costly medication that may strain your finances over time.

In addition, bariatric surgery is the only obesity treatment that may provide weight loss permanence.

Semaglutide vs Bariatric Surgery: Side Effects

Similar to all medical procedures and interventions, both semaglutide and weight loss surgery come with potential side effects. While weight loss surgery, although minimally invasive, involves a medical operation, the primary long-term side effects are hairfall, affecting around 20% of patients. In contrast, approximately 74% of semaglutide users may encounter some unwanted side effects. Key concerns with semaglutide include dizziness, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, and stomach issues.

Aastha Bariatric is dedicated to offering thorough guidance on bariatric surgery to our patients, covering aspects like potential risks, benefits, the recovery phase, and post-surgery expectations. We pledge to be empathetic, patient, accessible, informative, and supportive advocates for our patients, accompanying and assisting them throughout their entire bariatric surgery experience.

Why We Are?