DISILLUSIONED BY ‘MIRACLE PILL’, MANY SUPER-OBESE PATIENTS ARE TURNING TO BARIATRIC SURGERY
Walk into a party and see someone with a dramatic weight loss or spot a plump celebrity showing off his newly lean figure on Instagram? The instant thought is — ah, Ozempic! Ozempic and the new class of weight-loss medications — known as GLP1 drugs — have sent pharma profits soaring and waistlines shrinking, or have they? For those struggling with extreme obesity, it’s not the miracle pill it was touted to be. Doctors say that many Indians with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 60 are opting for bariatric surgery (weight loss) surgery after their obesity medications led to severe side effects.
A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. A BMI of 30 and above is considered obese. Fearing bariatric surgery for years, resorted to weight-loss drugs like semaglutide (this is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, and only its oral form is availabe in India) and liraglutide despite monthly costs running up to Rs 60,000. But side effects like nausea, vomiting, and low oxygen saturation.
While celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Tracy Morgan have sung praises for weight-loss drugs that not only regulate blood sugar, but also reduce appetite, others have quit after side effects. “Drugs like semaglutide can help reduce body weight by 10-15%, which is insufficient for super-obese individuals. Moreover, these drugs aren’t covered by insurance, making them unaffordable for long-term use.”
“For many of them, stepping outside t heir homes after years is itself a breakthrough.” But that doesn’t mean GLP1 drugs don’t have their uses. People with extreme obesity who are considering bariatric surgery may benefit from losing weight with a combination of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic before their procedure. It’s also used after surgery.
Semaglutide and similar drugs are effective only as short-term interventions or post-surgery maintenance tools. “Indiscriminate use of these medications must be curbed. They are expensive, have multiple side effects, and should not be used beyond six months.” Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic raise risks of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare eye disorder that may even cause blindness. Earlier research by the University of British Colombia found these drugs to an increase risks of stomach paralysis, bowel obstruction, and in, some cases pancreatitis.
But the hype caused by these drugs are making obese people come out of isolation to seek treatment. “The new interest and media attention to obesity as a chronic disease is helping many folks come out and speak to doctors about obesity treatments.” It’s therefore not surprising that we are now seeing a rise in super-obese people who have so far not considered treatments for their obesity turning towards bariatric surgery.”
The surgery option also needs to be weighed carefully as it’s not meant for all. “Bariatric surgery is also fraught with risks and may not result in long-term sustainable weight loss for many. Any decision must be carefully discussed with the surgeon.”
OHZEMPIC – PROS AND CONS OF ANTI-OBESITY MEDICINES:
- Makes you feel full so you lose food cravings and, hence weight.
- Regulates blood sugar levels, which is crucial for people with Type 2 diabetes.
- Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease for people with diabetes.
- Studies also show promise for alcohol and drug addiction.
- ‘Ozempic face’ and ‘Ozempic butt’ are common side effects. Leaves cheeks sunken and skin saggy.
- Other side effects include nausea, dehydration, fatigue, either diarrhea or constipation.
- Is quite expensive and you can regain lost weight if you discontinue.
- Takes the joy out of food; some are nauseated even at the thought of it.
