Economic Considerations of Diverse Therapeutic Modalities for Weight Management

Making the decision to lose weight is nearly always a good one. However, you have numerous methods to choose to pursue that process. Cost is a factor for many people. While you should always seek out the best weight loss treatment option for your health and needs, for most people, cost is an important factor consider in making that decision. The following are estimates and may differ based on location and provider.

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery costs range widely based on the surgery type, location, and other factors required. BariatricJournal.com provides the following insight about costs:

• The average cost of surgery itself ranges from $17,000 to $26,000, though other estimates increase this to well over $33,000.
• Third-party payers often cover bariatric surgery costs when there are potential health benefits, such as reducing comorbidity.

Bariatric surgery costs typically include initial screenings and evaluation, psychological testing, surgery, medical costs associated with the hospital, and limited follow-up procedures (typically ongoing doctor care for several months). Though there is the risk of needing additional surgery as well as hospitalizations, there are no extensive, ongoing costs associated with bariatric surgery.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the use of medications, such as GLP-1s, to lose weight. These medications typically entail the use of a medication over a long period of time and, in some situations, for the length of a person’s life. Some insurance companies may cover these drugs in situations where they are being used to treat type 2 diabetes. Other insurance companies do not, forcing a person to pay out of pocket for these medications.

Estimates on cost range widely based on the types of medications used, but most will pay $1,000 per month on average. These medications must be taken over a long period of time and often for a person’s lifetime. That means the costs will be, on average, $12,000 per year ongoing. Over 10 years, that could amount to $120,000, according to CNBC.

Diet and Exercising

Another method for weight loss is simple dieting and exercise. It can be difficult to put a cost on this method of weight loss, especially since there are so many different methods to consider. However, consider the following costs:

• Gym membership: $10 to $50 a month
• Healthy food costs: Healthy foods tend to cost more than unhealthy foods
• Supplements: The cost of supplements, if desired, may cost $10 to $100 per month, depending on the type used

Keep in mind that it may be possible to lower these costs. However, they are ongoing costs. Replacing unhealthy food with healthy food could raise your food bill on an ongoing basis, but exercise, like walking in a park, can be done without added cost. This method of weight loss, then, is the most versatile when it comes to choosing what you eat and do to lose weight. However, it takes the longest and requires the most significant amount of discipline. A person who cannot diet and exercise routinely may find it an impossible method.

Doctor Monitored Weight Loss

Doctor-monitored weight loss is another strategy that may help some people lose weight. This method involves meeting with a doctor, often every other week to once a month for a check up, weigh in, and tailored approach to your health. Often called medically monitored weight loss, this process utilizes a licensed medical professional to provide care on an ongoing basis to help support weight loss through a realistic, steady plan. Typically the goals here are to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week over the long term.

Some research indicates that the average cost of weight loss programs like this is $70 to $100 per visit, though some people may find that this is partially covered under their health care insurance (depending on the situation). The long-term costs are notable, though, since most people will need to continue to use these services until they reach their weight loss goals.

Weight Loss Therapy and Psychology

Some people may wish to seek out behavioral weight loss programs, a type of intervention-based program designed to provide care for a person over a 12-month period. A comprehensive program, it aids people in losing weight by creating a customized-weight loss plan based on exercise and dieting, but also incorporates mental health support.

Costs will vary widely, but some research indicates that it costs $1100 or more per month, with the need to continue treatment until you reach your goal.

No single method is best for everyone. Yet, costs do play a role in the long-term benefits of any program.