Semaglutide vs Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty for Weight Loss

Obesity is a huge problem in the United States, with nearly half the population expected to be classified as obese by 2030. This isn’t just about fitting into your jeans; obesity leads to serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers. Plus, it costs a lot of money to manage—$260 billion annually in healthcare costs.

ESG and Semaglutide

So, what are our options? Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) and Semaglutide are two leading options in the fight against obesity.

• Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG): This is a minimally invasive procedure where doctors use an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) to stitch up your stomach from the inside, making it smaller. This means you feel full faster and eat less.

• Semaglutide: This is a once-weekly injection that helps control your appetite. It’s been gaining popularity because it’s non-invasive and easy to use. Popular brand names for semaglutide, which is part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist family, are Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound.

Which is better?

Our cofounders, Dr. Pichamol Jirapinyo and Dr. Christopher Thompson, along with other authors, set out to answer this question by comparing the cost-effectiveness of ESG and Semaglutide over five years. Here’s what they found:

• Cost-Effectiveness: ESG came out on top, saving $33,583 per patient compared to Semaglutide over five years. Semaglutide costs about $13,618 per year. For it to be as cost-effective as ESG, its price would need to drop to $3,591. That’s a big difference!

• Quality of Life: ESG added 0.06 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) more than Semaglutide. This means that not only do patients live a bit longer, but they also enjoy a better quality of life.

• Weight Loss: Patients who undergo ESG would see greater weight loss, achieving an average BMI of 31.7 after five years compared to 33.0 for those on Semaglutide.

These results were published in the prestigious journal JAMA Network yesterday. You can read the full text here.

ESG takes the lead

Over a five-year period, ESG not only helps you lose more weight but also saves you more money. It’s like getting more bang for your buck. Plus, the study showed that ESG remained the cheaper option in almost every scenario they tested.

If you or someone you love is dealing with obesity, these findings are a big deal. It means that ESG might be a better investment for your health and your wallet. It’s effective, minimally invasive, and more affordable in the long run.

The real-world impact

Imagine this: You undergo ESG, stick to a healthy lifestyle, and enjoy not just a slimmer body but also a healthier life overall. Meanwhile, you save a significant amount of money, which you can then use for other important things like family vacations. Our patients even report saving money on even food!

Looking ahead

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and new treatments are always on the horizon. For now, though, ESG seems to be the champion in the battle against obesity. But remember, it’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best option for your individual needs. Our care team is also here to guide you through these options.

If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, please share it with your friends and family. Let’s spread the word about effective weight loss treatments and help more people live healthier lives!