(NewsNation) — Obesity is a chronic condition affecting many across the U.S. each year, and more and more people are looking for the best treatment options to keep the weight off.
For some people, doctors will recommend bariatric, or weight loss surgery, to help them reach a healthier weight. But with the rising popularity of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are meant to treat type 2 diabetes but have also been shown to help decrease weight, some are wondering if it’s a better avenue to lose weight.
Both options are the most effective treatments to aid in weight loss, but which path to take is up to many factors, such as weight loss goals, age and health conditions.
Here are the two options, how they work and who they may be best for.
Weight loss surgery
Doctors will usually recommend weight loss surgery for people who have a body mass index (BMI) that is greater than 35. Also referred to as bariatric surgery, it comes in two forms: gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, according to Temple Health.
In a gastric sleeve procedure, surgeons will remove a large part of the stomach, which leaves a smaller “sleeve” that will help restrict food intake and decrease hunger.
For gastric bypass procedures, surgeons create a smaller stomach pouch by dividing the top of the stomach from the rest and rerouting the digestive tract to bypass the larger, original stomach.
Both procedures are minimally invasive and only require a one-night stay in the hospital afterwards.
GLP-1 medications
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, most GLP-1 medications are injectable and have been on the market since 2005 to treat diabetes, and is given to people with a BMI of 30 or higher. It can be lower if you have a weight-related health condition like type 2 diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea.
A prescription is required for weight loss medications. Some of the medications on the market include Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro.
The medications work by mimicking a hormone that helps to decrease appetite, slow digestion, and improve the body’s response to blood sugar.
Affordability
The cost of weight loss surgery depends on several factors, including what type of surgery you get and what insurance plan you have. Insurance companies have different requirements that patients must meet to qualify for reimbursement for the procedure.
GLP-1s are usually not covered by insurance as a weight loss treatment. These medications can cost up to $1,000 or more per month, but generic brands can be cheaper in price. For treatment of type 2 diabetes, some GLP-1s are covered by insurance for the diagnosis.
How do I know what’s best for me?
The first step to determine if surgery or GLP-1 medication is the best fit for you is to reach out to your primary care physician. To make a decision, you must also factor in your weight loss goals, your current health status and the time, recovery and cost commitments of each treatment.