With increasing awareness about the health risks associated with excess weight and speculation around weight loss medications in the media, many people are exploring different options to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Bariatric surgery has been conclusively shown to increase life expectancy and quality of life of patients suffering from morbid obesity, by drastically reducing someone’s capacity to eat and their hunger.Â
Weight loss medications act in a variety of ways to help patients lose weight and maintain their weight loss. They reduce hunger and appetite and help patients feel full quickly so they can eat smaller portions, make healthier food choices and minimise snacking between meals. Some medications help with food cravings as well.
Both bariatric surgery and weight loss medications are only effective when combined with sustained diet and lifestyle change. Obesity is a complex, lifelong disease that requires long-term treatment. Let’s dive into the benefits and drawbacks of each option to understand why surgery might be the better choice for those seeking lasting weight loss.
Bariatric Surgery
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Long-Term Weight Loss Success – Studies have shown that bariatric surgery results in significant and sustained weight loss. Patients often lose over 30% of their total weight within the first 18 months. They can maintain substantial weight loss for many years if they actively attend follow-up with their doctor/s and engage in healthy eating and an active lifestyle.
Improved Health – Bariatric surgery has been linked to the improvement or resolution of obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea and heart disease following weight loss.Â
Enhanced Quality of Life – After surgery patients find themselves being able to enjoy life more, whether that be from improved physical abilities or higher self-esteem, generally they report a higher overall quality of life post-surgery.
Cost-Effective in the Long Run – Although the upfront cost of surgery may seem high, it often proves to be more cost-effective in the long term in comparison to ongoing medication expenses. Don’t forget the savings at the checkout for your food shop!Â
Drawbacks of Bariatric Surgery
Surgical Risks – As with any surgery, there are risks involved, including infections and complications, despite being rare.Â
Permanent Changes – Some types of bariatric surgery are non-reversible, like a gastric sleeve. These permanent changes may be off-putting to some, but exciting to others.Â
Lifestyle Changes – Post-surgery, patients must adhere to strict dietary guidelines and will need to take vitamin supplements for life to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Many patients find this difficult, but it is the most important contributor to lifelong success and health.Â
Recovery Time – The recovery period will require time off work and other activities. Bariatric surgery is major surgery and taking care of yourself during the recovery process is vital.Â
Weight Loss Medication
Benefits of Weight Loss Medication
Non-Invasive & Flexible – Unlike surgery, weight loss medications are non-invasive, involving no surgical procedures or recovery time. Medications can be adjusted or changed based on the patient’s response and tolerance.Â
Immediate Start – Patients can begin treatment quickly without the need for pre-operative evaluations or waiting for a surgery date. They’re also a good option for those who are not quite candidates for surgery but require assistance with losing weight and getting started on the ‘right track’.Â
Suppress Appetite & Increase Satiety – Weight loss medications work by suppressing appetite, making it easier for individuals to adhere to a calorie-restricted diet. Some weight loss medications increase feelings of fullness, helping reduce overall food intake.
Drawbacks of Weight Loss Medication
Short-Term Efficacy – While medications can be effective in the short term, long-term weight loss is often less substantial and more difficult to maintain compared to bariatric surgery.
Side Effects – Most of the medications for weight management cause some gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, constipation or diarrhoea. To avoid this as much as possible, most medications are started at a low dose and increased slowly to allow these to settle, determining the optimal dose for each patient to balance side effects while losing weight to achieve their goals, set in consultation with a doctor.
Cost – Weight loss medications are not subsidised by the Australian Government on PBS and they are not covered by insurance. The cost of weight loss medication will vary depending on the specific medication and the optimal dose that the patient requires – increased dosage increases the cost of the medication. This can be hundreds of dollars a month.Â
Accessibility – In recent times, some weight loss medications have been in short supply in Australia and globally, so you may need to swap to another medication for a time until the original medication is available again.
Temporary Solution – Medications do not address the underlying issues related to obesity and often require continuous use to maintain weight loss, making them a less permanent solution.
Bariatric Surgery vs Weight Loss Medication: Why Bariatric Surgery is the Better Long-Term Option
While weight loss medications offer a non-invasive and quick-start approach, their effectiveness and sustainability are not comparable to bariatric surgery. Getting people to make fundamental and permanent change is difficult, and while we use surgery as a catalyst and a tool to help patients lose weight and gain health, a long-term approach to diet and lifestyle is needed to maximise the chance of success.Â
If you would like to speak with the Bariatric Care Specialist about weight loss and weight management medications, please call us to make an appointment on (02) 9553 1120 or
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