Bariatric surgery has long been considered one of the most effective treatments for obesity and its related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, a recent Monash University-led report has revealed a surprising trend—fewer Australians are undergoing bariatric surgery.
Despite its proven benefits, the decline in surgery rates raises important questions: Why is this happening? Are alternative treatments becoming more popular? Or are there barriers preventing people from accessing this life-changing procedure?
Key Findings from the Monash Report
The report, which analyzed bariatric surgery trends in Australia and New Zealand, found that:
✅ Patients lost an average of 29% of their total body weight within the first year after surgery.
✅ Over 50% of patients with diabetes no longer required treatment one year post-surgery.
✅ Despite these successes, the overall number of surgeries has declined in recent years.
These findings show that bariatric surgery continues to deliver powerful health benefits, yet fewer people are choosing to undergo the procedure.
Why Are Fewer People Choosing Bariatric Surgery?
There are several possible reasons behind this decline:
1. The Rise of Weight-Loss Medications (Ozempic & Wegovy)
With the increased availability of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, more Australians are trying non-surgical weight-loss options before considering surgery. These medications help reduce appetite and promote gradual weight loss, leading some people to delay or avoid surgical intervention.
2. Access and Financial Barriers
Bariatric surgery can be expensive, and not everyone has access to private health insurance that covers the procedure. For those in the public healthcare system, long wait times can discourage patients from pursuing surgery.
3. Fear of Surgery & Misconceptions
Many people still believe that bariatric surgery is dangerous or an “easy way out.” In reality, modern bariatric procedures are safer than ever, with low complication rates and high long-term success. However, stigma and misinformation may prevent some from considering it.
4. Focus on Lifestyle & Alternative Approaches
As nutrition and exercise programs become more advanced, some individuals are choosing to focus on non-surgical weight-loss strategies instead. While these can be effective, they don’t always provide the long-term results that bariatric surgery can offer—especially for those with severe obesity.
What This Means for You
If you’ve been considering weight-loss surgery but feel uncertain due to the current trends, here’s what you should keep in mind:
🔹 Bariatric surgery is still one of the most effective long-term solutions for significant weight loss.
🔹 If medications like Ozempic or Wegovy haven’t worked for you, surgery may be the next best step.
🔹 Surgery isn’t just about weight loss—it can drastically improve or even reverse serious health conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure.
What’s Next? Should You Consider Bariatric Surgery?
If you’re struggling with obesity and have tried diets, medications, or exercise with little success, it may be time to explore bariatric surgery as a long-term solution.
Dr. Kevin Dolan and the WALOS team have helped thousands of patients achieve life-changing weight loss and regain their health. We’re here to help you decide if surgery is right for you.
📞 Call us at (08) 9246 2314
Don’t let trends dictate your health. If surgery is the right choice for you, take the next step today!