Obesity non-surgical treatment options

Although surgery can be an effective option for tackling severe obesity and its related health complications, it's not suitable for everyone. In this article, we will explore various non-surgical approaches to treating obesity.

When Is Obesity Treated Without Surgery?

In most cases, obesity is managed without surgery. Upon diagnosing obesity, the doctor evaluates the patient's Body Mass Index (BMI), other health conditions, and the patient's commitment to a weight loss plan to determine the most appropriate treatment, which may include one or more of the following:

• Modifying the diet.
• Increasing physical activity.
• Adopting healthier lifestyle habits.
• Taking medications that promote fat burning.
• Using weight loss devices, such as gastric balloons or endoscopic techniques.

However, if these methods fail to achieve the desired weight loss, or if the BMI is 40 or above, or between 35-39.9 with a serious health condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, surgery may become the best option.

What Are the Non-Surgical Treatments for Obesity?

Before resorting to surgical options, doctors usually begin with non-surgical methods, which include:

1. Dietary Modifications

Excessive calorie consumption is the primary cause of obesity, so the first step in treating obesity is modifying the diet to reduce calorie intake.

Here are some dietary guidelines often recommended for weight loss:

• Reducing daily calorie intake to 1200-1500 calories for women and 1500-1800 calories for men.
• Avoiding or minimizing processed foods, sugary beverages, and high-fat, refined products.
• Increasing the consumption of whole grains, fiber-rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Physical Activity and Exercise

In conjunction with dietary changes, increasing physical activity is essential in obesity management. It is recommended to engage in 300 minutes or more of moderate-intensity exercise per week to lose excess weight and achieve a healthy weight.

To maintain weight and prevent weight gain, at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise and two sessions of muscle-strengthening activities per week are recommended. Moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and dancing.

3. Weight-Loss Medications

When lifestyle changes and diet adjustments are insufficient, the doctor may prescribe weight-loss medications. These medications are intended to complement, not replace, dietary and exercise changes.

The following FDA-approved medications for obesity treatment are selected based on potential side effects and the patient's medical history:

• Orlistat.
• Bupropion-naltrexone.
• Liraglutide.
• Semaglutide.
• Phentermine-topiramate.

It's important to note that these medications may not be effective for everyone, and their effectiveness may diminish over time. Additionally, their effects may reverse once the medication is stopped, and they are associated with various side effects. Doctors typically recommend several tests to monitor the impact of these drugs on thyroid and liver function.

Blazma offers most of these tests, including the weight-loss (Saxsenda, Ozempic) injection test package, which does not require any prior conditions.

4. Other Treatments

The FDA has also approved the following non-surgical treatments for obesity:

• Gastric Balloons: A capsule attached to a thin catheter or inserted via endoscopy is placed in the stomach. The balloon is then filled with gas or liquid (water and salt) to create a sense of fullness after consuming a small amount of food. The balloon is usually left in place for six months before being removed endoscopically, and depending on the treatment plan, another balloon may be placed. This procedure requires no incisions, as flexible tubes and instruments are inserted through the mouth and down the throat into the stomach after the patient is anesthetized.
• Hydrogel Capsules: These prescription capsules swell in the stomach after being ingested, as they contain tiny particles that absorb water, helping to create a feeling of fullness. They are usually taken before meals and pass through the intestines as stool.