Weight loss injections vs weight loss surgery

Are you struggling to lose weight despite countless efforts? You're not alone. Weight loss is important for mental and physical health, especially if you're overweight or obese. But losing weight and keeping it off is a complex goal. 

For many, it isn’t just about going to the gym more or decreasing their calorie intake. Instead, it involves dealing with underlying hormonal and emotional issues, as well as a lifestyle change. 

When traditional methods don’t work, medical treatments like weight loss injections or surgery might be able to help. Our guide will help you understand the differences between these options and learn which one suits different people better.

What are weight loss injections?

Weight loss injections are medical treatments designed to help people lose and keep weight off. They work by reducing your appetite and quietening food cravings.

These injections can be a better alternative to weight loss pills and tablets. They are very effective at supporting weight loss and only need to be used once a week.

Key points to remember about weight loss injections include:

• There are different types and the only ones available in the UK are Mounjaro and Wegovy (not Ozempic - more about Ozempic in our dedicated article)
   
• These treatments offer a more consistent and controlled approach to weight management compared to dieting and supplements
   
• They are injected weekly and can be effective for those who struggle with traditional weight loss methods

Types of weight loss injection

There are a couple of weight loss injections, each works in a slightly different way. The two available in the UK are:

• Mounjaro. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a drug that mimics a hormone, GLP-1, that controls how hungry you feel. By binding to a particular brain area, this medicine helps reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness. When you feel more full, you feel less hungry and this is how the treatment helps you lose weight.
   
• Wegovy. Wegovy contains semaglutide, a drug that also mimics the hormone GLP-1 that controls hunger. This medicine also makes you feel more full, even if you haven’t eaten much, leading to eating less and losing weight.

When choosing the best treatment for you, it is important to carefully read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) to better understand how to use them, side effects, and other important information.

Weight loss injections FAQs

• What is Mounjaro? Mounjaro is a weight loss injection that mimics a hormone naturally found in the body to decrease appetite and cravings.
   
• Is Mounjaro available in the UK? Yes, Mounjaro is available for weight loss treatment in the UK.
   
• What is Wegovy? Wegovy is an injectable weight loss treatment that contains semaglutide, a medicine that also helps regulate appetite and sensations of fullness.
   
• How does Wegovy work? Wegovy also works by slowing digestion and increasing feelings of fullness.
   
• Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic? No, Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient but are prescribed for different conditions. Wegovy is for weight management, and Ozempic is only for treating type 2 diabetes.

How do weight loss injections work?

As seen above, weight loss injections work by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite and metabolic processes. Drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro activate receptors in the brain related to the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormones.

Your body naturally releases these hormones after eating. They communicate to the brain that your tummy is full - in turn, the brain triggers a series of processes that will prevent you from overeating.

These injections can also slow down gastric emptying (digestion), which means you feel fuller for longer.

Studies show that these injections may help with chronic (long-term) weight management.(1)

Do weight loss injections work?

Yes. A 2022 study(2) shows that Wegovy can lead to weight loss and be effective for patients with who are overweight or obese and that most people lose at least 5% of their starting weight by week 12 of treatment. 

However, they should be used long-term to maintain the weight loss. Research shows that that people can lose 15% (Wegovy) or 20% (Mounjaro) of their starting weight by one year of treatment. 

It is also important to notice that you need to stick to a calorie-deficit diet (500 calories fewer per day than you were eating before), more exercise (150 minutes per week), and an active lifestyle to both lose the weight and maintain the results. 

Are weight loss injections safe?

Although weight loss injections are considered safe, they may have side effects(3) like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. Very rarely, some people may also experience allergic reactions or gallbladder issues.

Can I get weight loss injections on the NHS?

Yes, it is possible for some patients to obtain weight loss injections on the NHS, this access is limited for many reasons. These include:

• Mounjaro and Wegovy are relatively new treatments and are costly to prescribe for the NHS.
   
• You can only get these weight loss treatments on the NHS from specialist weight management services, which you have to be referred to and have long waiting lists.
   
• Even when you do get seen by the NHS weight management service, it doesn’t mean that you will get Wegovy or Mounjaro, only that it can be considered. 

If you are looking for a more timely and convenient option, you need to look at private clinics and providers. Requesting weight loss treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro online can be safe and convenient when carried out through trusted services like Oxford Online Pharmacy.

Who should consider weight loss injections?

Weight loss injections can be a good option for people who aren’t or don’t feel "big enough" for surgery but struggle with being overweight or obese.

These treatments are only appropriate for people with a starting BMI over 30. Weight loss injections might also be an option for people who prefer a less invasive treatment than bariatric surgery and are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle even after the weight is lost.

What is weight loss surgery?

Weight loss surgery(4) is an broad term that covers several surgical procedures that support losing weight. They involve surgically altering the digestive system to reduce food intake or optimise food absorption.

These procedures are often offered to people with a BMI over 40 or those who have struggled with other weight loss methods. This type of surgery leads to significant long-term weight loss and improved health outcomes, but are invasive and can require lengthy recovery times.

Can I get weight loss surgery on the NHS?

Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery(5), is available on the NHS for a certain group of people.

Usually these people must:

• Have a BMI of 40 or higher or a BMI of between 35 and 40 with an other health conditions, like diabetes or hypertension
   
• Have tried several other weight loss methods without success
   
• Commit to long-term follow-up care and lifestyle changes

What are the types of weight loss surgery?

Weight loss surgery can be a a life-saving option for people with severe obesity. It works by altering the digestive system to reduce the amount of food a person can eat which causes the weight loss. 

Different types of weight loss surgery(6) include:

• Gastric Sleeve: Permanently removes part of the stomach, creating a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach.
   
• Gastric Band: Places a band around the upper part of the stomach to form a small pouch that limits food intake. This is sometimes reversible.
   
• Gastric Bypass: Creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine.
   
• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD-DS): This procedure removes a part of the stomach and bypasses a significant part of the small intestine.
   
• Intragastric Balloon: A balloon is placed in the stomach and inflated to take up space, reducing the amount of food the stomach can hold. This is sometimes reversible.

Weight loss surgery FAQs

• What is the safest form of weight loss surgery? The gastric sleeve is often considered one of the safest due to its lower complication rates (compared to other procedures, no surgery is risk-free).
   
• How do you get weight loss surgery on the NHS? To get weight loss surgery on the NHS, you must meet specific criteria, including a high BMI and unsuccessful attempts with other weight loss methods. You usually have to be referred and there may be long waiting lists.
   
• Does a gastric sleeve work? In patients with extreme obesity, yes, gastric sleeve surgery is effective in substantially reducing body weight and BMI.
   
• Is a gastric sleeve reversible? No, gastric sleeve surgery is not reversible as it involves permanently removing a portion of the stomach. Other bariatric surgeries, like the gastric band and the intragastric balloon, may be reversible with a follow-up procedure.
   
• How long does gastric sleeve surgery take? It typically takes one to two hours to complete.

Who should consider weight loss surgery?

Given the risks of weight loss surgery, only people who have tried other weight loss methods should consider this option. Your doctor can recommend the best surgical intervention based on your needs. Generally, signs that you may require bariatric surgery to resolve long-term weight management include a high BMI, obesity-related health conditions, and comorbidities that expose you to significant risks.

Although surgeries are long-term solutions, you also have to commit to lifestyle changes afterwards.

Weight loss injection costs vs weight loss surgery costs

Weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro are less expensive upfront but require ongoing expenses for maintenance. In contrast, weight loss surgery may require a higher initial investment (if not provided by the NHS), but generally offers long-term results.

Here’s an overview:

• How much are weight loss injections? Around £150 to £300 per month.
   
• How much is weight loss surgery? In the UK, it costs £8,000 to £15,000 privately, but would be free on the NHS. 

Conclusion

Choosing between weight loss injections and surgery depends on your individual needs, medical history, and financial considerations. Each option offers its own set of advantages, but it is important to remember that both require a commitment to healthy lifestyle changes. 

If you're unsure which weight loss option is best for you, contact our experts at Oxford Online Pharmacy on 01295 262925 to start your journey to a healthier life.

References

1.    Singh G, Krauthamer M, Bjalme-Evans M. Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management. J Investig Med [Internet]. 2022 Jan;70(1):5–13.
2.    Ghusn W, De la Rosa A, Sacoto D, Cifuentes L, Campos A, Feris F, et al. Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Netw Open [Internet]. 2022 Sep 1;5(9)
3.    Jennifer Mitri Williamson P. Wegovy side effects: What they are and how to manage them [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2024 May 26].
4.    nhs.uk [Internet]. [cited 2024 May 26]. Weight loss surgery.
5.    Mayo Clinic [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 May 26]. Bariatric surgery.
6.    NIDDK - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2023 [cited 2024 May 26]. Types of Weight-loss Surgery.