GLP MEDS VS BARIATRIC SURGERY
SINGLE-AGONIST INJECTABLES
–Wegovy, Ozempic, Saxenda
–Average Weight Loss: 5% to 15% of body weight
–Usage: Very high (millions of users)
–Pros: Non-surgical, reversible, weekly shots, improves diabetes/heart health
–Cons: Nausea common, weight returns if stopped, expensive
DUAL-AGONIST INJECTABLES
–Zepbound, Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
–Average Weight Loss: 18% to 22% (most potent approved meds)
–Usage: Rapidly growing (millions of users)
–Pros: Greatest GLP weight loss, weekly shots, excellent diabetes control
–Cons: Nausea during start-up, very expensive, insurance battles
GLP PILLS
–Rybelsus, Wegovy
–Average Weight Loss: 8% to 16% with good adherence
–Usage: Growing (hundreds of thousands)
–Pros: No needles, daily pill
–Cons: Must take on empty stomach, pricey, nausea common
SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY
–Average Weight Loss: 16% to 23% after 5 years
–Usage: Common (200,000 per year in US)
–Pros: Large durable weight loss, diabetes often goes into remission, one-time procedure
–Cons: Irreversible surgery, acid reflux risk, must take vitamin pills lifelong
GASTRIC BYPASS
–Average Weight Loss: 22% to 26% after 5 years
–Usage: Common (50,000 per year in US)
–Pros: Most proven surgery, excellent diabetes treatment
–Cons: More complex surgery than Sleeve Gastrectomy, nutritional deficiencies, lifelong vitamins