A more permanent way to lose weight

Over 40 percent of U.S. adults are considered obese, and nearly three in four adults are overweight. Obesity is linked to increased risk for conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and certain types of cancer — leading causes of preventable, premature death — and depression and anxiety.

“Obese individuals often feel a tremendous amount of shame because everyone tells them with diet and exercise, they should be able to lose weight. That’s not always the case,” says Providence weight loss surgeon Scott Perryman, M.D. “When patients reach a BMI over 35, there’s a metabolic shift which makes them more prone to absorb calories and store fat.”

Considering weight-loss drugs?

Many have heard of newer medications that lead to significant weight loss, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, intended to treat type 2 diabetes, and anti-obesity drug Wegovy. But weight-loss drugs aren’t right for everyone. They can cost thousands of dollars each month and be hard to find during drug shortages. They don’t work for everyone and can cause side effects like nausea, constipation and diarrhea. And many people tend to regain weight once they stop taking medication.

Surgery to support long-term well-being

On the other hand, bariatric surgery can:

• Provide a more permanent weight-loss solution that doesn’t require decades of taking medication

• Add years to your lifespan by treating or preventing physical and mental health conditions

• Reduce health care costs — annual medical costs for adults who have obesity can be nearly $2,000 higher than those with a healthy weight

“These procedures save and sustain the lives of our patients,” says Dr. Perryman.