Why Weight Loss Pills Are Better Than Surgery?
What Is Obesity?
Obesity is one the fastest growing problems among developed countries. It is defined as excessive accumulation of fat within the body that poses several health risks. A person is considered overweight if their Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 25, whereas a BMI over 30 is considered obese. An obese person is at a much higher risk for serious diseases like type 2 diabetes, than an average healthy person.
How Is Obesity Treated?
It is better to try and lose weight on your own by changing your diet, opting for healthier food options and exercising. But, sometimes losing weight on your own can be difficult. In that case, your doctor may prescribe you with weight loss pills or even suggest bariatric surgery.
Which Medications are prescribed for Weight loss?
If a person is unable to lose weight with a few simple lifestyle changes, the doctor will mostly likely prescribe him/her with a weight loss medication along with a specifically constructed diet plan and exercise regimen.
Prescription medications for weight loss work by either suppressing your appetite or by preventing absorption of fat in your body.
Most commonly Xenical, also known as Orlistat are prescribed by doctors. It is a prescription medication that helps manage obesity and treat symptoms associated with it. Orlistat capsules work by blocking the active site of the enzyme that breaks down fat, as a result, fat remains undigested and passes out of the body.
You can buy Orlistat or any other weight loss pill online from any UK registered pharmacy.
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Weight loss surgery, also termed as bariatric surgery is performed as a treatment for obesity. In bariatric surgery, either stomach or intestines or sometimes both, are modified to reduce food intake and to change the way your body absorbs food, this procedure improves the feeling of fullness in your stomach and decreases hunger.
Does Bariatric Surgery Carry Any Risks?
Like every other surgical procedure, bariatric surgery also carries several risks. Your doctor will explain all short-term and long-term complications associated with bariatric surgery.
Here are a few short-term post-op risks associated with this surgery:
- Infection.
- Inability to eat certain food.
- Obstruction of stomach.
- Chronic nausea and vomiting
- Dilation of esophagus
Some long-term complications include:
- Dumping syndrome (a condition which causes severe nausea and dizziness)
- Low blood sugar
- Malnutrition.
- Ulcers.
- Bowel obstruction.
- Hernia
You can lower risks of bariatric surgery by:
- Reducing your BMI.
- Exercising more.
- Not smoking.
Authored By
HARMINDER ‘HARMY’ KAUR
BSc(hons) Pharmacy
GPhC Number: 2061107
Reviewed By
GURDEV SEHMI
BSc Pharm, MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber, Superintendent Pharmacist, Clinical Lead
GPhC Number: 2050925