Weight loss treatments come in a wide variety of options. There are treatment plans which involve little or no medical intervention and options which involve complete surgeries—and yes, some of these treatments can cost a pretty penny. The following will explore some of the possibilities for different weight loss treatments and the costs associated with them.
Of course, price should not be the only factor you use in your decision-making process. Your choice should also reflect your medical history and health needs. If you are unsure whether an option might be right for you, speak to a medical professional who has access to your healthcare history. They should be able to help you find an option that works with your body and current state of health.
This article will focus on interventions requiring a medical professional’s assistance or a prescription to receive treatment. Of course, there are many more options for weight loss than will be discussed below. If you feel like none of the below are right for you, keep searching—the correct weight-loss method for you is out there. You will definitely find good options like using a waist trainer which can definitely play a good role in your weight loss.
Low Cost: Out Of Country Bariatric Surgery
Due to the extreme cost of American health care, various “healthcare tourism” options have sprung up to help people get the treatments and procedures they need at a fraction of the cost. Getting surgery in Mexico is a common choice for those seeking treatment without the high cost of American medicine. If you decide to go this route, make sure that you do your research on a facility beforehand and check that all necessary certifications are accounted for.
You should also be prepared for the possibility that you will need to meet certain milestones or hold yourself to specific standards before getting surgery. Most surgeons have a range of body mass indexes they are comfortable working within, and some require proof that you will be able to maintain the post-op health standards they want you to before surgery is booked.
Medium Cost: Medications
There are over the counter and prescription medications available that have shown positive results when it comes to weight loss. Of course, the price will be dependent upon your health insurance or coverage plan. In many cases, this type of medication is not covered, but we thought we’d include it on this list in the event that it is. Reach out to your health insurance provider for more information.
When looking for a prescription to help with weight loss, you’ll want to speak openly with your doctor about your concerns and state of health. Obesity is a complicated disease that is connected to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and heart disease. Trust your doctor’s ability to determine whether a medication is correct for you in your situation and always ask about all the potential side effects and what can increase or decrease the risks of experiencing these side effects.
You also need to know that the majority of these medications are not to be consumed with alcohol or while pregnant. This means you might have to make changes to your drinking habits and be more aware of your family planning if prescribed them. You’ll also want to take note of the ranking provided by the CSA (Controlled Substances Act) schedule. This will tell you whether or not the medication has a high potential for addiction or abuse.
High Cost: Local Bariatric Surgery
In the United States, elective surgeries can be costly. Some health insurance plans cover a portion of the price, but the vast majority do not. There is also the opportunity cost of missing out on work during recovery and therefore having less income for a little while.
High Cost: Weight Loss Retreats
Weight loss retreats are programs where individuals go and stay on location (usually in very comfortable arrangements) where they can kick start new lifestyle choices under the supervision of a doctor, dietician, or nutritionist. Many of these retreats provide all food, healthy activities, and counseling-style discussions that get at the root cause of some of our food issues. These tend to be among the most expensive options available, costing at the minimum the price of a very expensive hotel and at the maximum $50,000.
The above information should help you understand the costs associated with different medical interventions for weight loss. It is always wise to speak to a doctor about the choices you’re considering before a decision is made. You might also want to take your time and make sure that you understand all the possible risks and side effects associated with each of the options. Everyone’s weight loss journey looks different, and that’s okay.