There are two main approaches to weight loss: dietary supplements and weight loss surgery. Dietary supplements for weight loss can contain dozens of ingredients, including botanicals, dietary fiber, caffeine, and minerals. However, little is known about whether weight loss supplements are effective, and some supplements have been associated with the potential for physical harm. Furthermore, dosages and amounts of active components vary widely among weight-loss supplements, and a product’s composition is not always fully described in published studies.
Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, is a category of surgical operations intended to help people with obesity lose weight. Bariatric surgery procedures include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric band, and duodenal switch. Bariatric surgery works by changing how your body manages what you eat, allowing healthy diet and lifestyle changes to be effective for sustained weight loss and health. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), bariatric surgery is the most successful long-term treatment for class III obesity. However, weight loss surgery is not without risks, and patients must undergo a thorough evaluation before being considered for surgery. Complications are less likely when weight loss surgery is performed at a medical center that specializes in bariatric surgery.
In summary, dietary supplements for weight loss can contain a variety of ingredients, but little is known about their effectiveness and some can be harmful. Weight loss surgery is a more effective long-term treatment for obesity, but it is not without risks and requires careful evaluation before being considered.
