Obesity is a growing health concern in India and is influenced by genetics, lifestyle, diet, stress, sleep, medications and underlying hormonal or metabolic conditions. Treatment begins with identifying the underlying causes and typically combines dietary changes, physical activity and behavioural support, sometimes involving a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
For some patients, GLP-1 medications can support weight loss by reducing appetite, slowing digestion and improving blood sugar control. However, they require medical supervision, and weight may return after stopping treatment. Bariatric surgery, including sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, produces greater and more sustained weight loss for eligible patients, while also reducing obesity-related health risks. Both approaches have potential side effects and require long-term lifestyle and nutritional management. The right treatment depends on the patient’s BMI, pre-existing health conditions, goals and lifestyle.
Obesity is a growing concern in India. Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, lifestyle choices and medication are risk factors that most of the Indian population faces. People struggle to lose weight for many years and then are unable to keep it off. Obesity is a complex chronic condition and increases the risk of comorbidities like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnoea and heart disease. It also affects joint mobility, balance and poses a high risk for falls.
Obesity is not a problem with a standard solution. Patients may become obese for several reasons, including an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, hormonal or metabolic disorders, genetics, medications, sleep deprivation, ageing, stress or pregnancy. Treating obesity always begins with identifying the underlying cause and studying the patient’s lifestyle and psychology. The goal of treatment for obesity is to get back down to a healthy weight and then stay there. Typically, patients would start with losing 5 to 10% of their total body weight and then adjust their approach depending on which strategies work. The patient may require inputs from a team of healthcare professionals, including a dietician, a diabetologist, an endocrinologist, a physiotherapist and a behavioural counsellor.
GLP-1 drugs have been widely discussed as a treatment for diabetes and weight loss. GLP-1 drugs were introduced into the Indian market in mid-2025, with generic brands becoming available in 2026. They are injectable medicines that imitate a hormone that naturally occurs in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone triggers insulin production and signals to the brain that the stomach is full. It suppresses appetite and slows down digestion. Most GLP-1 medications are injected once a week into the fatty tissue of the belly, upper thigh, buttocks or back of the arms using an EpiPen-like device. The medication is also available in pill form. In most studies conducted, GLP-1s help people lose about 15% of their body weight on average. Most patients experience weight gain when they stop taking the medication, unless they adopt better lifestyle choices consistently.
Bariatric surgery is a surgical intervention to help overweight patients lose weight. The surgery reduces the capacity of the stomach, so the patient has to eat very little food to feel full.
There are 2 primary types of bariatric surgery:
This is a procedure in which 60 to 70% of the stomach is removed, including the “reversed C” part that forms the body of the stomach, called the fundus. This is done to create a smaller stomach which is roughly the size and shape of a banana. This is an irreversible procedure and is usually performed laparoscopically. The reduced stomach fills up very quickly, so the patient eats very little. Removing the fundus also reduces the production of ghrelin, the hormone that triggers appetite. This also helps the patient lose weight.
Gastric bypass surgery is a surgery that creates a small stomach pouch, roughly the size of an egg. The stomach pouch is roughly half the size of a sleeve gastrectomy. The egg-sized pouch is then directly connected to the middle of the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper section of the small intestine. This reduces fat absorption from the foods the patient eats. However, it also reduces mineral and vitamin absorption from food.
Not all patients are eligible for either GLP-1 medications or bariatric surgery.
Patients must only take GLP-1 medications if they are prescribed by a doctor. Generally, doctors will only prescribe GLP-1 drugs if the patient has a BMI of 30, or a BMI of 27 with comorbidities like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or obstructive sleep apnoea. Do not take GLP-1 drugs without medical supervision, as they could cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, GI discomfort, malnutrition, pancreatitis, thyroid issues and kidney problems.
Bariatric surgery is often recommended to younger people who have a body mass index of 40 or higher. Younger patients are healthier and can withstand the stress of surgery. The bariatric surgeon will put the patient through a panel of pre-surgical screening tests to check for fitness for surgery. Patients with a BMI of 35 to 40 are also eligible if they have comorbidities.
GLP-1 drugs are effective for most patients trying to lose weight, but not for all patients. The reason they work for some people but not for others is unclear and requires more research. In the most successful cases of GLP-1 use, patients lose up to 20% of their body weight, usually about 10 to 12 kg at the most. However, the medication only works as long as the patient continues to take it. Most patients regain the weight they lost once they stop taking the medicine.
Patients who undergo bariatric surgery can lose up to 45 kg, or about 60% of their excess body weight. Patients who lose weight after surgery mostly manage to keep the weight off too, because the stomach has shrunk and they cannot overeat. Patients also have a lower risk of obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease after the surgery.
The GLP-1 medication helps suppress appetite and reduces the resistance to insulin. This is the intended effect. Due to this, the patient will end up losing weight. However, there can also be unintended side effects. The patient may end up eating very little and develop malnutrition. That’s why it’s important to follow a proper diet that limits portion sizes but ensures the body is getting all the vitamins and minerals that it needs. Patients may also experience side effects like headaches, indigestion, diarrhoea, increased heart rate and dizziness. Some patients may also develop rashes on the skin where the injections are given. In rare cases, patients may also develop acute pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, acute kidney damage or reduced vision.
Bariatric surgery comes with potential side effects from the procedure itself. Even if performed using minimally invasive techniques, the patient may face anaesthesia-related risks, blood clots, infection at the incision and pain during healing. After surgery, the patient is advised to consume a liquid, high-protein diet. They may also have acid reflux and vomiting. Due to the rapid weight loss after surgery, the patient may develop dumping syndrome, which causes symptoms like dizziness, extreme fatigue and nausea. In the long term, the patient can develop malnutrition if they don’t take steps to eat a balanced diet that covers all the required micronutrients. According to bariatric surgeons, the surgery also increases the patient’s risk of bowel obstructions, ulcers and hernias.
Ultimately, both GLP-1 drugs and bariatric surgery have their advantages and disadvantages. Consulting with a doctor is the best way to figure out what the right choice is for you. The doctor will perform a physical examination and conduct tests to find out your current health status and which treatments you are eligible for. They will also help you identify your weight loss goals and treat you accordingly. Doctors may explore a combination approach as well, to help patients achieve the most sustainable results.
If you are considering options for obesity management, the expert team at Kauvery Hospital is here to guide you every step of the way. With specialized physicians and advanced facilities across Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, Kauvery Hospital offers personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Book a consultation today to start your journey towards a healthier future.
GLP-1 medications help reduce appetite, slow digestion and improve blood sugar control. Bariatric surgery reduces stomach capacity and changes how food moves through the digestive system to support weight loss.
GLP-1 medications have helped people lose around 15% of their body weight on average in studies, with some patients losing more. Bariatric surgery can result in substantial weight loss, with outcomes depending on the procedure and the patient’s circumstances.
Weight regain is common after stopping GLP-1 medication, particularly without consistent lifestyle changes. Long-term weight management may require continued treatment and ongoing dietary and behavioural support.
Two primary types are sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. Sleeve gastrectomy removes a large portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach, while gastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch connected directly to the small intestine.
GLP-1 medications may be prescribed to patients with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or obstructive sleep apnoea. A doctor must assess eligibility and prescribe the medication.
Bariatric surgery may be considered for patients with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35–40 with obesity-related health conditions. A bariatric surgeon evaluates the patient’s health and suitability through pre-surgical screening.
GLP-1 medications may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and other digestive symptoms. Bariatric surgery may involve surgical risks, reflux, vomiting, dumping syndrome and nutritional deficiencies, making medical supervision and long-term nutritional care important.
The choice depends on factors such as BMI, existing health conditions, weight-loss goals and lifestyle. A doctor can assess your health, discuss eligibility and help determine whether medication, surgery or a combination approach may be appropriate.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Radial Road & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Radial Road – 044 6111 6111 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Maa Kauvery Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Kauvery Cancer Institute, Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 68011
