Tirzepatide vs Bariatric Surgery

Women Injecting a Drug Under Their Skin

What is Tirzepatide Drug?

Tirzepatide is a once-a-week subcutaneous injectable that suppresses hunger and results in weight loss.^[2] The FDA recently approved this drug for Type 2 Diabetes in May 2022.^[3]

However, in addition to anti-diabetic properties, this drug also has weight loss effects.^[4] It was recently seen during a clinical trial that many people taking tirzepatide for obesity lost ~20% of their weight.

However, the manufacturer Eli Lilly currently has to go through three more trials before it becomes available for weight loss.

Source: BuzzFeed News^[5]

Did you know?

The FDA has given tirzepatide Fast Track designation for reviewing it for treating excess weight. Hence, they will review & potentially approve it for weight loss sooner than any typical medication approval.^[6]

Now, let’s have a look at its mechanism of action. 

Tirzepatide: Mechanism of Action

GLP-1 and GIP are both gut hormones that are released after eating. Tirzepatide mimics these hormones by signaling the pancreas to release insulin after eating.

This further results in lowering your blood sugar. In addition to lowering blood sugar, tirzepatide also:

• Send signals to the brain that you’re full - so you eat less.
• Slows the movement of food through your stomach - so you feel full longer.

Source: StatPearls^[7]

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows cells to absorb glucose from the blood.^[8]

Tirzepatide: Mechanism of Action

Is Tirpezatide an Alternative To Bariatric Surgery?

To answer this question, let’s look at the cost, pros & cons, and long-term effects of the two:

Tirzepatide Cost vs Bariatric Surgery Cost

Since bariatric procedures and drugs are not usually covered by insurance, they can cost you a fortune! For instance, tirzepatide cost is estimated at $17,527 for its course of 72 weeks.^[9]

While bariatric surgery ranges from $15,000 - $30,000, depending on the procedure and the patient’s condition.

*These are estimated prices

However, with MTC, you can get affordable WLS abroad, in countries like Mexico, India, and Turkey, and save upto 50-80%.

Tirzepatide vs Bariatric Surgery: Pros & Cons

As with any other drug or major procedure, tirzepatide and WLS too have their own pros and cons.

Here's a list of pros and cons of tirzepatide drug:

Here are the pros and cons of weight loss surgery:

Source: STFM^[13], ScienceDirect^[14], WebMD^[15]

Tirzepatide vs Weight Loss Surgery: Longevity & Success

If we talk about the tirzepatide drug, it is known to help shed ~20% of body weight. However, it was seen during some research that if you stop taking tirzepatide, you might gain the weight back.

Hence, you would need to be on lifelong medications. Whereas, bariatric surgery provides long-term weight loss & helps to achieve your weight loss goals effectively.^[16]

Pills vs Bariatric Surgery

Many people are now choosing medications & pills for weight loss over surgery. These drugs may help maximize the efficacy of your weight loss efforts, but they can't substitute for healthy habits.

Moreover, those opting for WLS drugs are likely to regain weight if they stop taking them. Hence, one would need to follow a healthy lifestyle and continue taking the medications.

Diet vs Bariatric Surgery

Many people prefer to lose weight by adopting weight-loss diets over bariatric surgery. When combined with other lifestyle changes like exercising, diet can result in substantial weight loss.

However, when compared with WLS, the diet-induced weight loss is not permanent.

Increased intake, weight regain, and reversion of the metabolic improvements may occur after some time.^[17]

FAQs

Final Word

The weight-loss drugs are a non-surgical and zero-invasive option for weight loss. In addition to that, you can stop taking these medications at any time. Whereas most weight loss surgeries are irreversible with a fixed recovery time.

While diet, WLS pills, or exercise alone are harder to maintain over time. But, these lifestyle changes combined with bariatric surgery seem to have a great overall result.

References