Cost-Effective Weight Loss: Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) Outperforms GLP-1 Drugs
Obesity is a significant health concern worldwide, affecting millions and placing a heavy burden on healthcare systems. If you’re exploring weight-loss options, two effective approaches are
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) and
GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide. A recent study* compared these two methods over five years to determine which is more effective and cost-efficient.
What Are ESG and GLP-1 Drugs?
- Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG): ESG is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that reduces the size of your stomach using an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube). By placing sutures inside the stomach, ESG helps you feel full faster and eat less, leading to weight loss.
- GLP-1 Drugs: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, are medications that mimic a natural hormone in the body responsible for regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. These drugs slow down stomach emptying, reduce hunger, and make you feel full longer. Administered as weekly injections, GLP-1 drugs can help with weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes, but they require ongoing use to maintain their effects.
What Does the Study Say?
The study focused on individuals with
class II obesity, defined by a
Body Mass Index (BMI) between 35-39.9. BMI is a measure of body fat based on weight and height, commonly used to categorize obesity levels. The results highlighted ESG as a better long-term choice for weight loss, offering superior results at a significantly lower cost.
- Cost Savings: ESG, a one-time minimally invasive procedure, was found to save $33,583 compared to semaglutide, a medication that requires weekly injections. To match ESG’s cost-effectiveness, the annual price of semaglutide would need to drop by threefold.
- Weight Loss Results: Patients who underwent ESG reduced their BMI to 31.7 after five years, while those using semaglutide saw their BMI drop to 33.0. A lower BMI indicates greater weight loss and improved health outcomes.
- Long-Term Viability: ESG demonstrated consistent effectiveness over time, saving approximately $595,532 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY)—a measure used to evaluate the value of medical treatments by balancing cost and quality of life.
- Dropout Rates: Around 20% of patients stopped using semaglutide within five years, often due to side effects or the need for long-term injections. ESG, on the other hand, provided lasting benefits without the need for ongoing medication.
Why ESG Stands Out
- Non-Surgical: Unlike traditional weight-loss surgeries, ESG doesn’t involve any incisions, making it safer and less invasive with a shorter recovery time.
- Sustained Results: ESG has proven to deliver more consistent and long-lasting weight loss compared to GLP-1 medications.
- Cost-Effective: ESG is a one-time procedure, while GLP-1 drugs require continuous injections, making them a more expensive long-term option.
Conclusion
For individuals with class II obesity, ESG is a better choice for achieving significant weight loss while saving on costs. The study clearly shows that ESG delivers more effective, long-term results compared to GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide. At
Bumrungrad International Hospital, the Digestive Disease Center is dedicated to helping patients achieve their health goals with cutting-edge procedures like ESG.
Take the first step toward a healthier future by reaching out to Bumrungrad International Hospital today. Their expert team is ready to guide you on your weight-loss journey!
*Source:
Semaglutide vs Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty for Weight Loss
By
Asst. Prof. Dr. Veeravich Jaruvongvanich, Gastroenterology and Hepatology
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Last modify: January 03, 2025