If you or someone you know has been trying to lose weight, you’ve probably heard of new medications like Wegovy or Ozempic. These drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, have made headlines for helping people lose a significant amount of weight—without surgery. But how do these medications compare to weight loss surgery when it comes to cost over time?
A recent study published in a medical journal looked into this question. The researchers wanted to find out how long it takes for the cost of these medications to match or exceed the cost of bariatric surgery—procedures like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. The results might surprise you.
Two Popular Paths for Weight Loss
Today, two major options exist for people dealing with obesity and serious weight challenges:
- GLP-1 Medications – These are prescription drugs like Wegovy, Saxenda, Ozempic, and Byetta. They help control appetite and blood sugar, leading to weight loss. Most are taken as weekly injections, and they’re designed to be used long-term.
- Bariatric Surgery – This includes surgeries like sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. These procedures physically change your stomach and how food is digested, helping people lose a lot of weight relatively quickly. Surgery is a one-time event, but it does require recovery time and lifestyle changes.
The Big Question: Which One Costs More?
At first glance, medications seem cheaper. After all, they don’t involve surgery or hospital stays. But when the researchers looked at the numbers, they found that medications become more expensive than surgery surprisingly fast.
Here’s what they discovered:
- Wegovy and Saxenda cost so much that after just 9 to 12 months, you would have spent as much as getting weight loss surgery.
- Byetta, the cheapest of the group, still reaches the same cost level as surgery after about 1.5 years.
- Even Ozempic, often used off-label for weight loss, adds up quickly if not covered by insurance.
In short: if you stay on these medications long-term (which many people need to in order to keep the weight off), you’ll spend more than you would on surgery within a year or two.
But Cost Isn’t Everything
Of course, this doesn’t mean everyone should run out and get surgery. Both options have pros and cons.
Why someone might choose medication:
- No surgery or hospital stay
- Easier to start and stop
- Lower risk in the short term
- Can be helpful for people who aren’t ready or able to have surgery
Why someone might choose surgery:
- One-time cost and treatment
- Usually leads to more rapid and long-lasting weight loss
- Can help improve or even reverse diabetes and other health issues
- Less likely to regain weight if followed up with proper care
On the other hand, many people who stop taking medications like Wegovy or Ozempic gain back the weight. So unless you plan to stay on them indefinitely (and can afford to), they might not be a permanent solution.
Real-World Factors That Matter
The study didn’t look at every possible scenario. For example:
- Some people have insurance that covers most or all of the cost of these medications.
- Others might have to pay out of pocket, which makes medications much more expensive.
- Surgery costs also vary by country, hospital, and whether it’s covered by health insurance.
Plus, there are personal factors: fear of surgery, medical history, the ability to stick to a treatment plan, and support systems all play a big role.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re thinking about starting a weight loss medication or considering surgery, here are some things to ask yourself:
- Can I afford the medication long-term, especially if insurance doesn’t cover it?
- Am I ready for a permanent change like surgery, including the recovery and lifestyle adjustments?
- What are my health risks if I don’t lose weight?
- Which option feels right for my personality, goals, and health situation?
The key takeaway from the study is this: weight loss medications can get expensive very quickly, and they don’t always offer the same lasting results as surgery. If you’re looking for a long-term solution and are medically eligible, surgery may actually be the better investment over time.
Final Thoughts
Weight loss is deeply personal, and there’s no “one size fits all” answer. What works for one person might not work for another. But understanding the costs—both financial and personal—can help you make the best decision for your body and your budget.
Always speak with a doctor or medical team before starting any weight loss plan, especially when it involves medications or surgery. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits based on your specific health needs.