MEDICINEEst. Weight LossAdvantagesDisadvantagesCommon Side EffectsRare Side Effects
OZEMPIC INJECTIONAverage weight loss of around 5-10% of body weight over 6-12 months, potentially higher in some individuals when combined with lifestyle changes
  • Effective for weight loss and improving blood sugar control
  • Reduces risk factors for cardiovascular diseases
  • Once-weekly dosing for convenience
  • Gastrointestinal side effects can be significant
  • Requires careful monitoring for rare but serious side effects
  • High cost
  • Nausea (15-20%)
  • Vomiting (5-10%)
  • Diarrhea (8-12%)
  • Abdominal pain (5-8%)
  • Constipation (3-5%)
  • Pancreatitis (<0.1%)
  • Thyroid tumors, including cancer (<0.1%)
  • Kidney problems (<0.1%)
  • Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema) (<0.1%)
MOUNJARO INJECTIONAverage weight loss of 15-22.5% of body weight over 72 weeks, with some individuals experiencing greater losses when combined with lifestyle changes
  • Significant weight loss potential
  • Improves blood sugar control and reduces cardiovascular risk factors
  • Once-weekly dosing for convenience
  • High incidence of gastrointestinal side effects
  • Requires gradual dose escalation to mitigate side effects
  • High cost
  • Nausea (20-40%)
  • Diarrhea (18-23%)
  • Vomiting (10-18%)- Constipation (10-16%)
  • Decreased appetite (10-15%)
  • Pancreatitis (<0.1%)
  • Gallbladder problems, including gallstones (<0.5%)
  • Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) (<0.1%)
  • Kidney problems (<0.1%)
INTRAGASTRIC BALLOONAverage weight loss of 10-15% of excess body weight within the first six months, with potential for additional weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
  • Less invasive than surgical procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy
  • Temporary and reversible option
  • Promotes significant weight loss with lifestyle modifications
  • Temporary nature of weight loss; balloon removal may lead to weight regain
  • Potential for side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and reflux
  • Requires lifestyle changes for sustained results
  • Nausea and vomiting (30-50%)
  • Abdominal discomfort or pain (20-30%)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (10-20%)
  • Gastric ulcers (5-10%)
  • Balloon migration or deflation (<1%)
  • Gastric perforation (<1%)
  • Bowel obstruction (<1%)
  • Pancreatitis (<1%)
SURGICALEst. Weight LossAdvantagesDisadvantagesCommon Side EffectsRare Side Effects
GASTRIC BYPASSAverage weight loss of 60-80% of excess body weight within the first year, with continued weight loss over the following years.
  • Significant and sustained weight loss
  • Improvement or resolution of obesity-related conditions (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc.)
  • Long-term effectiveness compared to non-surgical methods
  • Potential for complications such as infection and blood clots
  • Risk of nutritional deficiencies requiring lifelong supplementation
  • Invasive surgery with associated risks and recovery time
  • Nausea and vomiting (20-30%)
  • Dumping syndrome (early and late) (30-50%)
  • Nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12, calcium, etc.) (common but varied)
  • Infection (<1%)
  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism) (<1%)
  • Hernias (<1%)
  • Leakage at surgical connections (<1%)
ENDOSCOPIC GASTRIC SLEEVEAverage weight loss of 15-20% of excess body weight within the first year, with continued weight loss over the following years.
  • Less invasive
  • Shorter recovery time and hospital stay
  • Effective weight loss with improvement in obesity-related health conditions
  • Potential for complications such as bleeding, infection, or injury during the procedure
  • Risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) worsening or developing
  • Nausea and vomiting (20-30%)
  • Abdominal pain and discomfort (10-20%)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (10-15%)
  • Diarrhea (5-10%)
  • Bleeding (<1%)
  • Infection (<1%)
  • Perforation or injury to nearby organs (<1%)
  • Development of strictures or narrowing of the stomach (<1%)
LAPAROSCOPIC SLEEVE GASTRECTOMYAverage weight loss of 50-60% of excess body weight within the first year, with continued weight loss over the following years.
  • Significant and sustained weight loss
  • Improvement or resolution of obesity-related comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc.)
  • Fewer restrictions on diet compared to gastric bypass surgery
  • Potential for complications such as bleeding, infection, or staple line leaks
  • Risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) worsening or developing
  • Irreversible procedure with potential long-term nutritional deficiencies
  • Nausea and vomiting (20-30%)
  • Abdominal pain and discomfort (10-20%)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (10-15%)
  • Diarrhea (5-10%)
  • Bleeding (<1%)
  • Infection (<1%)
  • Leakage from staple line (<1%)
  • Development of strictures or narrowing of the stomach (<1%)