It is important to consider all options when trying to lose weight. In this article, we look at injectable medication for weight loss vs the Gastric Balloon.
Although both procedures are generally effective, there are a few key differences between them. Let’s take a look at the Gastric Balloon first.
Don’t forget, we have recently launched our weight loss medication programme which you find more information on via the below link:
Streamline’s weight loss medication programme
What is the Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon is a temporary weight loss procedure. Gastric Balloons are spherical in shape, approximately 500ml in volume and are filled with water or saline.
How does the Gastric Balloon work?
The balloon sits in the stomach, making you feel full, controlling appetite, so that portion sizes are reduced and patients are less driven to snack.
What are the benefits of the Gastric Balloon?
The Gastric Balloon is a non-surgical procedure, it does not need a general anaesthetic, is performed as an outpatient and is a temporary procedure that is usually well tolerated. On average patients will lose 10-15% of their body weight.
What are weight loss injections?
There are a number of different weight loss injections but we are going to look specifically at Mounjaro and GLP-1 medications. Both these injectable medications help patients lose weight by targeting their appetites.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Mounjaro is known as a dual action medication, targeting GIP (Glucose-dependent insulinotrophic polypeptide) receptors as well as GLP-1 receptors. This dual-action improves fat metabolism, further aiding weight loss beyond what standard GLP-1 medications can achieve.
What are the different types of weight loss medications?
While older drugs like Orlistat and Reductil were often ineffective and came with harmful side effects, modern weight loss medications offer a safer alternative. The new generation of GLP-1 analogues comes in various forms, both oral and injectable, and are prescribed under different brand names. Different brand names are often used depending on whether the manufacturer is intending the drug to be used only by diabetic patients or more widely for weight loss:
- Semaglutide: Oral or injectable, sold as Wegovy (weight loss) and Ozempic (diabetes).
- Liraglutide: Injectable, sold as Saxenda (weight loss) and Victoza (diabetes).
- Tirzepatide: Injectable, sold as Mounjaro (weight loss and diabetes).
Other medications like Exenatide (Bydureon, Byetta) and Dulaglutide (Trulicity) are also used for diabetes management.
Gastric Balloon vs weight loss injections
Both these treatment options are temporary ones, that in the correct situation can be used for long-term periods. The most important consideration with any weight loss treatment is how safe are they and what the complication rate is.
The Gastric Balloon is a very safe treatment option in generally, but for those patients that do develop a problem or a complication it can be quite major and in some cases might require an operation.
However, with injection therapies, the drug is very safe and very reliable with very little side-effects. If any side effects do occur then the drug can be stopped and these should rapidly clear up. With the injection treatments, it is very rare to have a serious complication
Streamline’s weight loss medication programme
Unlike other providers of weight loss medication, Streamline is owned and led by a team of weight loss surgeons with decades of experience in the field, bringing a unique perspective to weight loss treatment. Our deep understanding of weight management and metabolic health allows us to offer the best possible care and weight loss solutions, one of them being our weight loss medication programme.
What is included in our weight loss medication programme?
- Breakthrough weight loss medication
- Access to our health app, to track and monitor your progress
- 1:1 coaching and support from our team of experts
- Eco friendly, insulated packaging
If you’re interested in finding out more and to see if you’re eligible, please fill out our online assessment form.
To enquire with Streamline about the weight loss procedures we offer, please call 0333 016 3030 or fill in the online enquiry form below.
