It wasn’t that long ago when you wanted to lose weight, you went on a “crash” diet and then did exercise, exercise, and more exercise. Then most people regained all the weight they had lost. Remember the cabbage soup diet, grapefruit diet, and low carb diets? Today things have changed, and there are two effective and safe ways to lose weight. What type of weight loss program is right for you? From semaglutide to weight loss surgery.
What Is Semaglutide?
Although it was originally used for diabetes management, a little over a year ago, very few people knew of something called semaglutide. Today you hear about it on TV commercials almost daily. There are three name brands of semaglutide: Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Ozempic. The new medical way to lose weight has revolutionized how people are taking off their unwanted pounds.
You can take it in a pill form or by injection.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide works three ways:
- Blocks receptors in the brain to control and suppress appetite as it slows down digestion.
- Signals the brain when your body feels full, so you are satisfied with smaller portions.
- Helps regulate glucose levels to reduce the risk of diabetes and other side effects of obesity.
When your appetite is suppressed, you are less hungry during the day and can achieve weight loss up to 15% of your body rate. Taken over the long term, weight loss of 30% may be achieved.
On the negative side, many people have gastrointestinal side effects like constipation, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. In addition, there is the distinct possibility you will regain the lost weight once you stop taking the medication. Lastly, it can be quite expensive.
What Is Weight Loss Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is now the gold standard treatment for obesity. Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass both offer significant weight loss and many health benefits.
Typical Benefits of Bariatric Surgery vs Semaglutide
- Significantly greater weight loss with patients losing 2 to 3 times more weight on average.
- Considerable health benefits including near term mortality reduction and reversal of obesity-related conditions. These include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and sleep apnea.
- Many insurance plans are now covering some of all expenses related to weight loss surgery to those patients with certain prerequisites.
Bariatric surgery does not replace eating a healthy diet and exercising. Consult with Advanced Surgeons, P.C. about which type of weight loss is better for you. Maybe one can complement the other.
Ultimately, the choice between semaglutide and weight loss surgery should be based on your health conditions, your individual preferences, and the advice of a specialist like Advanced Surgeons, P.C. in Birmingham, AL.
Schedule an Appointment in Birmingham, AL Today
Contact our board-certified general surgeons at (205) 595-8985 if you are considering which form of weight loss program is right for you. Schedule a weight loss appointment at our general surgery clinic in Birmingham, AL today.
Sources: A Weighty Decision: Bariatric Surgery or Ozempic? | St. Luke’s Health (stlukeshealth.org)
Ozempic vs. Bariatric Surgery: A Comprehensive Comparison – The Youth Fountain
Best Semaglutide (GLP-1) vs. Weight-Loss Surgery Houston | Weight Loss Surgery (texasendosurg.com)