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 the weight they had lost and more. Remember the cabbage soup diet, grapefruit diet, and low carb diets? Today the research and medical approach has changed greatly, and there are several physician-guided, effective, and safe ways to lose weight. Read on to learn more about each type and find out which one is best for you.
What Is Semaglutide?
Although it was originally used for diabetes management, a little over a year ago, very few people knew of semaglutide. Now, you hear about it on an almost daily basis in the media. There are three main name brands of semaglutide medication: Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Ozempic. This new medical way to lose weight can be taken in pill form or by injections and has revolutionized how people are losing unwanted pounds.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide works in the three following 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 medical conditions associated with 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.
As with any medication, there can be side effects. You may experience gastrointestinal side effects like constipation, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Additionally, although long-term research is lacking, you may regain all the weight lost once you stop taking the medication.
What Is Weight Loss Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is now the standard surgical treatment for obesity. Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass both offer significant weight loss and many health benefits.
Typical Benefits of Bariatric Surgery Compared to Semaglutide
- Significantly greater weight loss with patients losing 2 to 3 times more weight on average with bariatric surgery.
- Many insurance plans are now covering some expenses related to weight loss surgery for patients with certain health conditions related to obesity.
Bariatric surgery does not replace eating a healthy diet and exercising. Consult with Dignity Health Medical Group about which type of weight loss is better for you. It’s possible 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 the board-certified bariatric surgeons with Dignity Health Medical Group.
Effective weight loss can lead to considerable health benefits, including longer life expectancy and reversal of obesity-related conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and sleep apnea.
Contact Dignity Health Medical Group if you are considering which weight loss program is right for you. Call our Gilbert clinic at (480) 728-6590, our Chandler clinic at (602) 582-5233, or request an appointment through our secure online form.
