If your body mass index (BMI) is considered obese, or over 30, and diet and exercise fail to cause weight loss, seeking medical help for weight loss can help. These treatments are also recommended for people with a BMI of 27 but have a high risk of developing diabetes or heart disease. Several weight-loss solutions, including FDA-approved obesity drugs and several weight-loss surgeries, have a higher success rate than diet and exercise alone.
Obesity Drugs
Medical obesity drugs can help people lose weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, Meridia and Xenical are both FDA-approved drugs that decrease body weight by 5 to 10 percent. Meridia reduces hunger by altering brain chemistry; Xenical prevents fat from absorbing in the stomach and intestines. Both drugs have several side effects, however, including headache, frequent bowel movements, rapid heartbeat and insomnia.
Laparoscope Gastric Banding
Laparoscope gastric banding (LAGB) is a medical procedure used to shrink the entrance to the stomach. During the surgery the surgeon wraps a band around the stomach, creating two pouches. A small gap is left between both pouches, decreasing how much food can travel through the stomach. According to UpToDate.com, LAGB decreases body weight by 45 to 75 percent in 2 years.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery is another medical procedure used to shrink the stomach. During surgery, the surgeon divides the stomach and creates a small stomach pouch at the top of the stomach. Next, the small intestine is attached to the upper pouch. This procedure forces food to digest and travel only through the small pouch and small intestine, allowing people to eat only 1 cup of food at a time. Gastric bypass surgery decreases body weight by 62 to 68 percent within 1 year.
Biliopancreatic Diversion
Biliopancreatic diversion, or BPD, is a medical procedure where part of the stomach is removed. The surgeon then connects the intact stomach to the small intestine. BPD causes rapid weight loss because most of the food travels too fast through the small intestine, preventing the absorption of most nutrients and calories. Although it causes more weight loss than gastric bypass or LAGB, the side effects are worse. Many people experience dumping syndrome, or nausea, sweating and diarrhea right after eating, and anemia. According to MSN Health, people lose 75 to 80 percent of their body weight with BPD.
