Treatment satisfaction with different weight loss methods among respondents with obesity

Satisfaction with weight loss (WL) methods has been correlated with the effectiveness, long-term compliance and commitment to weight management. This study explored treatment satisfaction associated with different WL methods among patients with obesity. Cross-sectional data were analysed from the 2012 US National Health and Wellness Survey. Respondents with obesity were categorized as having a WL procedure (e.g., gastric bypass and gastric banding) or using a prescription medication for WL (Sur/Rx), vs. using self-modification WL techniques (e.g., diet, exercise and WL supplements). Overall satisfaction with current WL methods was assessed among the obese and the overweight/obese with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Of the 22 927 respondents with obesity, 58.4% took no current action to lose weight, 2.3% were identified as Sur/Rx and 39.3% were identified as self-modification. The Sur/Rx group reported being very/extremely satisfied more frequently than the self-modification group (39.3% vs. 20.2%, P < 0.001). Similarly, respondents with T2DM that were overweight/obese reported higher satisfaction in the Sur/Rx vs. the self-modification group (46.6% vs. 22.7%, P < 0.001). Satisfaction with WL methods was greater for the Sur/Rx vs. the self-modification group. Data suggest the importance of including bariatric surgery and pharmacotherapy as an integral part in comprehensive WL management.