While a popular diabetes medication has gained social media traction as a quick weight loss solution, medical experts caution that such off-label use can lead to weight gain once the medication is discontinued.
Recent research, however, provides hope for those with severe obesity, indicating that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of mortality from heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Off-Label Drug Use: A Double-Edged Sword
With more than 2 in 5 adults in the U.S. struggling with obesity—a condition linked to a plethora of health issues including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer—the quest for quick weight loss solutions is understandable.
However, experts warn that using diabetes medication for off-label weight loss can not only be ineffective but can also result in weight regain once the medication is stopped.
The Efficacy of Bariatric Surgery
A recent study in the journal Obesity brings good news for those dealing with severe obesity.
The research suggests that undergoing bariatric surgery significantly reduces the chances of dying from heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, compared to those who don’t undergo the surgery.
Dr. Hans Schmidt, chief of Bariatric Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center, explains that bariatric surgery physically alters the digestive system, helping individuals lose weight by reducing the stomach’s storage capacity.
When traditional weight loss attempts have failed, bariatric surgery often emerges as the most effective solution.
A Success Story: Alex Monteleone
Highlighting the efficacy of bariatric surgery is 38-year-old Alex Monteleone, a detective with the Palisades Park Police Department, who underwent the procedure in 2018.
Not only did he lose nearly 100 pounds, but he also moved away from the brink of diabetes and high blood pressure.
Conclusion
While there is no “magic pill” for weight loss, solutions like bariatric surgery offer a more sustained and scientifically backed approach for those dealing with severe obesity.
Experts advise against resorting to off-label drug use, emphasizing that a holistic approach to weight management is crucial for long-term success.
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The research findings can be found in Obesity.
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