Cost efficiency of Bariatric surgery vs weight loss injection in the long term
Obesity has become one of the most pressing health concerns in many countries, including India, in the 21st century. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the prevalence of obesity around the world has tripled since 1975. Nearly 65+ crore people are obese, and many more are overweight. Excess weight can mess with your health, resulting in various severe health problems in both men and women.
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Sleep apnea
- Fertility issues
- Certain cancers
- Reduced quality of life.
Obesity is a complex health concern, not just a cosmetic issue. It is triggered by genetics, lifestyle, and metabolic factors. However, several weight management techniques (diet & exercise, bariatric surgery, gastric balloon, and weight loss injections) have been introduced over time. They have been proven to be effective, and additional research is being conducted to improve the procedures’ effectiveness and maximise weight loss results.
Bariatric surgery
Different surgical procedures come under bariatric surgery, specially designed and suggested to people depending on the severity of their obesity.
- Gastric bypass or Roux-en-Y (roo-en-wy) gastric bypass
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Adjustable gastric banding, or Gastric band surgery
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)
- Single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S)
Most of these surgeries work by modifying the stomach, which restricts the amount of food, which eventually reduces nutrient absorption that resulting in weight loss. These surgeries not only help to lose 60-70% of excess body weight but also improve obesity-related health problems.
Weight loss injections
Over the past few years, weight loss injections, a non-surgical weight management approach, have become trending.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic
- Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)
These medications are administered to overweight people via injection once a day or once a week. They can regulate your appetite and food intake because these medications mimic the natural hormones GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). The procedure slows down gastric emptying, reduces appetite, and promotes satiety, which results in weight loss.
People tend to lose 10-15% of excess body weight within a year. Experts say that weight loss results will be more effective if the patients follow a strict diet and physical activity recommended by doctors.
Bariatric surgery vs. weight loss injections—which is more cost-efficient?
Both weight loss procedures are effective in their own way, but when it comes to cost and long-term sustainability, they differ significantly.
As there are different types of bariatric surgeries, they have a range of costs varying between ₹2,50,000 to ₹5,00,000 or more in India. Other factors which can influence the cost are the hospital, the expertise of the surgeon, and follow-up care. The initial cost may look high, but the benefits definitely outweigh the cost, as people can lose a significant amount of weight and also help to overcome obesity-related health conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which saves healthcare expenses in the future. However, some insurance policies cover the expenses of bariatric surgery.
The initial cost of weight loss injections varies between ₹10,000 and ₹25,000 per month, and over a year, the cost varies between ₹120,000 and ₹300,000. Only a few insurance companies might cover the treatment expenses. These weight loss injections can be administered for short-term (6-12 months) and long-term (2 years or more) weight management. In most of the cases, one needs to continue the medication for a long time to maintain the lost weight. So the overall cost over several years might be more than bariatric surgery.
Bariatric surgery offers long-term weight maintenance for more than five years following surgery. Whereas with weight loss injections, you may regain weight within months after discontinuing the treatment.
Bariatric surgery offers various other benefits besides weight loss.
- Reduces the risk of mortality
- Reduces the risk of cardiac problems
- Decreases blood pressure
- Improve cholesterol levels
- High chances of reversing type 2 diabetes completely.
Weight loss injections can also offer similar health benefits, but they may recur if the medication is stopped.
Both procedures require patient commitment and significant lifestyle adjustments related to diet, physical exercises and medication, especially with weight loss injections, because stopping the injection might cause it to recur.
So, compared to weight loss injections, bariatric surgery can be cost-effective in the long term, as the surgery helps to lose significant weight and treats various other obesity-related health ailments, which may reduce medical expenses over 2 to 4 years. However, both weight loss options can be life-changing if you have proper guidance on what to do and how to proceed. Consult Dr Venugopal Pareek, one of the best bariatric surgeons or weight management specialists in Hyderabad, who can help you make a personalised treatment choice based on your condition.
