Over the last few years, weight loss injections have become one of the most talked-about treatments for obesity. They promise to help people manage their appetite, control cravings, and lose weight without the need for surgery. For some patients, especially those with a lower body mass index (BMI), injections can be a useful tool. But the question remains: do they eliminate the need for bariatric surgery? Let’s take a closer look at this topic so we can reach a clear conclusion that answers the question.
How Weight Loss Injections Work
Weight loss injections, also known as GLP-1 medications, mimic hormones that control appetite and blood sugar. By slowing digestion and helping you feel fuller for longer, they reduce overall food intake. Many patients notice weight loss within the first few months, and injections can also help manage type 2 diabetes and improve cardiovascular health.
However, injections must be taken regularly to maintain results. Once treatment stops, weight regain is very common. Studies also show that total weight loss from injections is often far less than what is achieved through surgery.
The Limits of Injections
- Short-term tool: Most patients lose around 10–15% of their body weight on injections, but results often plateau.
- Ongoing cost: Injections are expensive and must be continued long-term to maintain results.
- Not a cure: They help manage appetite but do not resolve the root causes of obesity or the health issues linked with it.
For patients with a BMI over 40, injections on their own rarely provide enough weight loss to resolve serious health conditions such as sleep apnoea, uncontrolled diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Why Surgery Is the Better Choice for Higher BMI
Bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and SADI-S, consistently delivers more significant and lasting results.
- Greater weight loss: On average, patients lose 60–70% of excess body weight after surgery.
- Durable outcomes: Weight loss is maintained for many years when paired with aftercare.
- Health benefits: Surgery often improves or even resolves type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and other obesity-related conditions.
- Longer life expectancy: Research shows that bariatric surgery can add years of healthy life, especially for patients with type 2 diabetes.
At Blackrock WeightCare, patients also receive a two-year structured aftercare programme with dietitians, endocrinologists, nurse specialists, and 24/7 clinical support. This ensures that surgery is not just about losing weight, but about building a healthier, more confident life.
When Injections May Still Help
Injections can play a role for patients who:
- Have a BMI below 35 and are not eligible for surgery.
- Need to lose weight before surgery to reduce surgical risks.
- Are looking for a temporary aid while preparing for a long-term solution.
- After surgery for patients who experience insufficient weight loss or later down the line experience weight gain
But for patients with a BMI above 35, injections alone are unlikely to achieve the same results as surgery for meaningful and lasting health improvements.
Weight loss injections can be a helpful option for some people, but they do not replace the need for surgery in patients with higher BMI. If your BMI is 35 or above, the most effective and lasting treatment is bariatric surgery, supported by comprehensive aftercare.
At Blackrock WeightCare, we meet patients from all across Ireland who are considering their options for lasting weight loss and better health. What we often find is that if someone has a BMI of 40 or above and starts on injections, they may lose around 10–15% of their weight. While that is a positive step, it usually does not bring them into a healthy BMI range. The challenge then is that they may no longer meet the criteria for bariatric surgery under insurance, which can leave them in a difficult position of depending on injectables in the long-term without access to the more permanent solution of surgery.
For this reason, it can be wise to check with a bariatric surgeon before deciding whether injections or surgery are the right choice. General advice or information online may not fully apply to your own situation, and a consultation will give you clear, personalised guidance.
Every patient’s journey is unique, and at Blackrock WeightCare we are here to support you in finding the safest and most effective path for your health and long-term success. With world-class medical expertise and a dedicated support team, we are here to guide you through every step of your journey.
Your Health. We Care.
