Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Options

Most obese patients have experienced the difficulty in achieving sustained weight loss through non-surgical means. There are many complex reasons for this failure. Studies have shown that the ability to maintain a weight loss of 20 lbs for 2 years with commercial weight loss programs is generally < 5%.

This leads to a sense of repeated failure in obese patients and anxiety about the cost and commitment of these programs. This in turn leads to a reduced sense of confidence and self esteem.

Weight loss medications generally produce weight loss of less than 5 Kg. over 6 months and unless these medications are continued indefinitely, most patients will regain the weight that was lost.

Exercise alone, in the absence of sustained caloric restriction has not been shown to be an effective means of weight loss. Exercise and activity have many benefits, especially on the health of the cardiovascular system, and improvement in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance but are not an effective weight loss tool for many patients.

The majority of patients initially seek to lose weight through lifestyle changes. Patients who follow an optimal program that uses diet, exercise and behaviour modification can expect to achieve and maintain a modest weight loss (10%). However, for morbidly obese patients, these first-line interventions are usually ineffective at achieving enough weight loss to have a significant benefit on the co morbidities associated with obesity. In addition, many patients who lose weight regain it later. To date, there are no published studies that demonstrate significant and sustained weight loss in morbidly obese patients through diet therapy, exercise, or behaviour modification.¹