Abstract
Obesity is a complex health disease with rising prevalence. Comorbid conditions occur as a result of obesity that may be detrimental to an individual’s health. While theoretically preventable, it is a difficult condition to manage due to a wide range of causative factors and comorbidities. There are many options to help with weight loss, but two of the most effective treatments are semaglutide medication and bariatric surgery. A literature review was conducted to compare the risks and benefits of each method and identify the more beneficial intervention for weight loss in individuals with obesity. Each method is efficient for a certain population; semaglutide is the most beneficial for individuals who are attempting to initiate weight loss or do not qualify for other treatments, and bariatric surgery is useful in patients diagnosed with morbid obesity or with comorbid health conditions. The review also looked at the benefits and risks of using each method in adolescent individuals with obesity. The reduction of obesity in the adolescent population is associated with better health outcomes in adult life. It was concluded that the most favorable effects on weight loss may be achieved through combination therapy of semaglutide, bariatric surgery, or both, along with lifestyle changes.
Included in
Semaglutide vs Bariatric Surgery Usage in Individuals who are Obese
Obesity is a complex health disease with rising prevalence. Comorbid conditions occur as a result of obesity that may be detrimental to an individual’s health. While theoretically preventable, it is a difficult condition to manage due to a wide range of causative factors and comorbidities. There are many options to help with weight loss, but two of the most effective treatments are semaglutide medication and bariatric surgery. A literature review was conducted to compare the risks and benefits of each method and identify the more beneficial intervention for weight loss in individuals with obesity. Each method is efficient for a certain population; semaglutide is the most beneficial for individuals who are attempting to initiate weight loss or do not qualify for other treatments, and bariatric surgery is useful in patients diagnosed with morbid obesity or with comorbid health conditions. The review also looked at the benefits and risks of using each method in adolescent individuals with obesity. The reduction of obesity in the adolescent population is associated with better health outcomes in adult life. It was concluded that the most favorable effects on weight loss may be achieved through combination therapy of semaglutide, bariatric surgery, or both, along with lifestyle changes.