Best treatment for Obesity - Weight Loss Surgery vs Medications

Obesity has become a major health epidemic in Australia, notably in urban locations such as Melbourne. Based on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report, around 2 out of every 3 Australian adults are overweight or obese, with related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and joint problems.

To deal with this, many people in Melbourne turn to options like weight loss surgery and weight loss medications. 

In this blog, we are going to explore more about  weight loss surgery vs medication, so that you can make an informed, personalised decision for long-term results and improved overall quality of life

Understanding Obesity and Its Impact

Obesity is not just about body image, it is a serious condition that may potentially impact the quality of your life. Obesity leads to serious conditions like:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Levels of blood pressure
• Cardiac disease
• Sleep apnoea
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety

Clinically, having a BMI of 35 kg/m² or greater along with medical conditions, or a BMI of 40 kg/m² or more, generally makes an individual qualified for more invasive obesity treatments, including weight loss surgery.

Women obesity significantly impacts overall health, increasing the risk of hormonal imbalances, infertility, and complications during pregnancy such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and miscarriage.

What are Weight Loss Surgical Procedures?

Also referred to as bariatric surgery, these include surgical changes to the digestive system to induce long-lasting weight loss. The most popular surgeries are:

Gastric bypass: In this gastric bypass surgery procedure, a small pouch is created in the stomach, which bypasses a portion of the small intestine. Surgeons in Melbourne would mostly offer either Mini-gastric bypass Surgery(MGB)  or RNY Gastric bypass operations

Sleeve gastrectomy: Removal of most of the stomach to lower hunger and calorie consumption. This procedure is irreversible, and many Melbourne clinics provide the gastric sleeve.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery for Weight Loss

Melbourne weight loss surgery patients usually opt for surgery due to its well-documented success:

• Quick and substantial weight loss

• Treatment or resolution of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and sleep apnoea
• Hormonal changes that reduce hunger while enhancing satiation
• Long-term maintenance with the correct lifestyle adjustments

Risks and Considerations

As with all major surgery, bariatric surgery also carries possible risks:

• Surgical complications (bleeding, infection)

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Psychological and behavioural changes during the recovery period after weight loss surgery

It is essential to consult with a multi-disciplinary team of practitioners, which includes weight loss surgeons, dieticians, and psychologists, who will help maximise your chances of long-term success.  

What Are Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options?

Medications are increasingly a component of non-operative weight loss therapy, particularly in those who are not suitable or ready for surgery. GPs with special interest in  weight loss often prescribe them.

The following are the most sought-after alternatives for weight loss surgery:

• Ozempic (semaglutide)
• Wegovy (semaglutide high-dose for weight loss, not yet added on PBS)
• Saxenda (liraglutide)

They are GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide-1) and act by:

• Decreasing your appetite
• Slowing down your digestion process
• Regulating your blood sugar levels

They are usually prescribed with diet and exercise and employed to optimal effect in people with a BMI >27 kg/m² or 30 kg/m² with comorbidities related to weight.

Side Effects and Limitations

These medications can be tolerated well, but can cause:

• Nausea and abdominal pain
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Headaches
• Safety over the long term is under investigation

They also need to be taken continuously to sustain weight loss and can be expensive without the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) rebate. Others are also considering Ozempic alternatives for weight loss because of overseas shortages and supply problems.

Weight Loss Surgery or Medications – A Detailed Comparison

This chart gives an overview for anyone considering obesity treatments. While invasive, surgery will typically result in more and more long-term weight loss, medications are less invasive but will often require continuous use and could be less effective overall.

What’s Best for You?

Surgery is best if:

• Your BMI is 35 kg/m² or higher (or 30 kg/m² with related serious medical issues)

• You’ve tried other ways without lasting success
• You’re willing to modify things over the long term
• You’re seeking a long-term solution to obesity

Having an initial consultation with the best weight loss surgeon at an accredited weight loss clinic in Melbourne is the initial step towards assessing your suitability.

When to Seek Weight Loss Medications?

You might want to consider medications if

• Your BMI is 27–35 kg/m², and you’re not yet prepared for surgery
• You opt for a non-surgical mode of weight reduction
• You need to go on a medically monitored weight loss scheme
• You need to treat any other conditions, including diabetes

Weight loss consultation from an experienced GP  can determine the most appropriate and safest treatment in terms of your needs.

Conclusion – The Right Path to Sustainable Weight Loss

Obesity surgery and medications both have a role in modern weight management approaches and can even be used together in certain situations.

The most critical step is professional advice. If you are considering weight loss surgery or medications, a tailored approach is your answer.

At Body Genesis Institute, we have well-recognised and experienced surgeons and physicians who will discuss with you options of surgical and non-surgical weight loss treatments along with a surgery cost and holistic after support  for lasting success.