Trying to lose weight through diet and exercise alone is almost impossible for most people. Research has discovered that individuals who reach elevated BMI levels have a very low chance of reducing their BMI without medical intervention.
Medical intervention may come in the form of bariatric surgery, a non-surgical weight loss procedure, or prescription weight loss medications. But which one should you choose? What are the differences between these options? Would a prescription weight loss program work for you or would you need more?
Today we are going to look at these questions and discuss the different forms of medical weight loss, how they work, and where you can find these procedures and a prescription weight loss program in New York.
What Weight Loss Options Can Help Overweight And Obese Patients?
1. Bariatric Surgery
Historically the only option to treat obesity was bariatric surgery and these surgical procedures are still available today. Bariatric surgeries such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch offer patients significant weight loss potential. However, they are also associated with the risks and complications of surgery and have long recovery times.
2. Prescription Weight Loss Medication
Weight loss injections were discovered while using these medications to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients that were given these medications to help regulate their blood sugar experienced significant weight loss which helped alleviate many weight-related conditions.
The FDA approved Saxenda (Liraglutide) for weight loss in 2017 after it was used for years under the brand name Victoza as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Saxenda is an injection that is given under the skin once a day and comes in a prefilled injectable pen.
Wegovy (Semiglutide) was approved by the FDA in June of 2021 for weight loss after using the same prescription medication labeled Ozempic since 2017 to treat type 2 diabetic patients.
The only difference between these FDA-approved injections when used for weight loss is that the dose used for weight loss is higher than when used to treat diabetes.
The reason these injections resulted in weight loss is due to the way they control blood sugar. These injections mimic natural hormones that are produced by the body and are responsible for the secretion of insulin and sending signals to the brain causing the feeling of fullness and slowing down how fast the stomach digests food.
A new medication that works similarly to Wegovy and Saxenda is currently under FDA review but is expected to be approved very soon. This new medication called Mounjaro is the prescription medication Tirzepatide and was approved in May 2022 to treat type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro showed noteworthy weight loss results during clinical trials that surpassed that of Wegovy and Saxenda.
At Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Centers we offer prescription weight loss programs in New York that are used in conjunction with Endobariatric weight loss procedures.
3. Non-Surgical Weight Loss Procedures – Endobariatrics
Advancements in science, medicine, and technology have provided non-surgical options that have shown tremendous weight loss results through a field of medicine called endobariatrics.
Endobariatrics is a newer addition to the field of bariatrics and are procedures that are performed through an endoscope. The hollow hose-like flexible endoscope is placed down the patient’s throat and the surgeon is guided by the attached endoscopic camera. The camera provides a real-time video feed to a monitor close to the surgeon.
There are no incisions, and no hospital stays, and patients can return home the same day to begin their short recovery period.
Most patients with a BMI of 30-40 would not qualify for bariatric surgery but they make excellent candidates for an endobariatric procedure. These less invasive procedures are also suitable for patients who would not qualify for a surgical procedure because of their health or for those who fear having surgery.
At Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Centers we offer Suture Sculpt Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) and the Orbera Gastric Weight Loss Balloon endobariatric procedures. Both are minimally invasive, safe, and validated through clinical trials.
4. Combination of Tools
Both ESG and the Orbera intragastric balloon offer a higher percentage of weight loss and are considered better than a prescription weight loss program alone, however, when either is used in conjunction with prescription weight loss injections, the combination delivers optimal results.
Weight Loss Potential of Medications, Endobariatric Procedures vs Combo
As you can see from the chart below, Suture Sculpt ESG weight loss yields higher percentages and are better than the prescription weight loss programs however, when ESG is used with the prescription weight loss program offers the highest weight loss potential without surgery.
| Weight Loss Method | Expected Weight Loss |
|---|---|
| The Orbera Balloon | 30% EWL |
| Suture Sculpt ESG | 60% EWL |
| Saxenda | 7% TWL |
| Wegovy | 20% TWL |
| Mounjaro | 14-21% TWL |
| Wegovy + ESG | 86% EWL |
Definition of Excess weight vs Total Body Weight
- Excess Weight Loss
- The percentage of excess weight lost (% EWL) is the number of pounds a patient needs to lose to reach their goal weight. Current body weight – goal weight = excess body weight.
- Total Body Weight Loss
- The percentage of total body weight loss (% TWL) compares to their starting weight. A patient who weighed 250 pounds lost 10% TWL which would amount to a 25-pound total body weight loss.
If the same patient were to lose 10% of their EWL then the calculation would take into consideration how much extra weight they were carrying. For example, a 250-pound individual who is supposed to weigh 150 has 100 pounds to lose. 10% of their excess weight would be 10 pounds.
If you have been trying to lose weight and have been struggling, call us today to get the help you need. At Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center, we understand what a huge undertaking losing a significant amount of weight can be.
We are here to find solutions that are best for you and to Identify any areas that are hindering your weight loss so we can address those issues and help you reach your weight loss goals. Set up an appointment to learn more today!
