As people seek to achieve healthier body weights in 2025, a range of weight loss strategies are available, catering to various needs and preferences.
Dr. Will Cauthen, a board-certified surgeon at the Surgery Clinic of Tupelo, specializing in abdominal surgery, explained that individuals are considered significantly overweight when their excess weight interferes with daily activities or leads to serious health issues. This is typically seen in those carrying 80 to 100 pounds beyond their ideal weight.
Mississippi, which ranks consistently among the top states for obesity rates, faces a significant public health challenge. According to Dr. Cauthen, obesity often correlates with conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease. “Our state ranks low in overall health metrics, and the link between being overweight and these co-morbidities is undeniable,” he said.
For individuals looking to lose weight, Dr. Cauthen outlined three primary approaches: diet and exercise, weight loss medications, and weight loss surgery. The most appropriate method depends on how much weight a person needs to lose.
For those aiming to lose 20 to 30 pounds, a combination of diet and exercise is usually effective. “The key is consistency,” said Dr. Cauthen. “I tell patients to choose a diet and exercise plan they can stick with long-term.” The traditional advice of reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity remains fundamental in weight loss.
For those with more significant weight loss goals—typically 40 to 60 pounds—GLP-1 weight loss drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, may offer a viable solution. Originally developed for managing diabetes, these medications have gained popularity as a weight loss tool. Dr. Cauthen noted that the once-weekly injections are effective and safe, helping patients reach their target weight within six months. However, one drawback is that weight may be regained after discontinuing the medication, which is typically only covered by insurance for a few months.
For individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more, often 100 to 150 pounds over their ideal weight, weight loss surgery is the most suitable option. Dr. Cauthen recommended two primary surgical procedures: sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. Both surgeries are minimally invasive and performed using robotic-assisted techniques.
Sleeve gastrectomy, the most common procedure, accounts for 65 to 75% of weight loss surgeries in the U.S. This surgery involves removing about 70% of the stomach to create a long, tube-like structure. “It’s a natural procedure with no foreign materials or devices inserted,” Dr. Cauthen explained. Patients typically lose up to one-third of their total body weight within a year when combined with lifestyle changes.
Gastric bypass, which involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach and rerouting the intestines, is another option. Though effective, it carries a slightly higher risk of complications than sleeve gastrectomy.
The sleeve gastrectomy procedure typically takes less than an hour and requires a one-night hospital stay. Following surgery, patients are on a liquid diet for a month and engage in light activity for six to eight weeks. Most insurance plans in Mississippi cover weight loss surgeries, including sleeve gastrectomy.
Dr. Cauthen often hears from patients who, months after surgery, express regret over not undergoing the procedure sooner. “They say, ‘I wish I’d done this ten years ago,'” he shared. Patients often experience dramatic health improvements, including relief from joint pain, diabetes, and an overall boost in quality of life.
Ultimately, Dr. Cauthen emphasized the importance of individualized care. “Choosing the right path depends on how much weight needs to be lost and what method suits the individual best,” he said. Whether through diet and exercise, medication, or surgery, weight loss can lead to profound health benefits and an enhanced quality of life.
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