Ozempic Isn’t the Only Trick Up Our (Gastric) Sleeve
World Health Day with Mr Jitesh Parmer
For World Health Day 2025, we’re shining a spotlight on weight loss surgery as an option for people who either do not qualify for, or cannot tolerate weight loss medications such as Ozempic. With the rapid rise in the popularity of Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists, there’s been renewed focus on how we manage obesity. Not everyone responds to these medications in the same way—and for many, surgery remains the gold standard solution.
To help us explore this topic, we spoke with Mr Jitesh Parmar, Consultant Laparoscopic Bariatric and Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Surgeon. Mr Parmar’s specialist interests include laparoscopic (keyhole) procedures for weight loss, gallbladder removal, hernia repair, and anti-reflux surgery.
Mr Parmar brings extensive experience and insight into the role that surgery can play in transforming the lives of people living with obesity. He now practises at New Cross Hospital and Walsall Manor Hospital, as well as privately at Spire Little Aston Hospital in Sutton Coldfield. He is also the Clinical Governance Lead at New Cross Hospital, where he is pioneering efforts to bring robotic surgery to the Upper GI service.
In this blog, we unpack who weight loss surgery is for, how it compares to medications like Ozempic, and what patients can expect on their journey toward better health.
Obesity is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. In the UK, more than 1 in 4 adults are living with obesity, and over 60% are overweight—a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. The health risks are well known: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnoea, infertility, and even certain cancers. But for many, the real struggle is access to effective and sustainable treatment.
In recent years, GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy have generated huge interest for their role in medical weight loss. Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, these injectable medications help reduce appetite, delay gastric emptying, and regulate blood sugar levels. For some, they’ve been a game-changer—delivering impressive results without surgery.
However, GLP-1s are not suitable for everyone. Some people are unable to tolerate the side effects, which can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Fatigue
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder issues
- Mood changes or depression
Others may not qualify under current NHS prescribing guidelines. And even among those who respond well initially, weight regain can occur when the medication is stopped.
Why surgery remains the gold standard for long term weight loss
While medications like Ozempic offer a helpful tool for some, bariatric surgery remains the gold standard for individuals with moderate to severe obesity—especially when long-term results matter.
Mr. Jitesh Parmar performs a range of minimally invasive (keyhole) procedures designed to achieve sustained weight loss and improve obesity-related health conditions. These include:
- Gastric bypass – reroutes the digestive tract to limit calorie absorption and reduce appetite
- Sleeve gastrectomy – removes part of the stomach to restrict intake and reduce hunger hormones
- One-anastomosis gastric bypass – a simplified bypass with fewer surgical connections
- Swallowable gastric balloon – a non-surgical, temporary option that occupies space in the stomach
Unlike weight loss medications, which rely on continuous use and often see weight regain when stopped, surgery offers long-lasting metabolic changes. It not only helps patients lose a significant percentage of their excess weight but also leads to improvements in type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, and fertility issues.
Surgery treats both the physical and hormonal aspects of obesity. For many patients, it’s not just about the numbers on the scale—it’s about reversing chronic conditions, improving mental health, and restoring confidence and quality of life.
Furthermore, surgical interventions are also better studied in the long term. For example, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy have over a decade of data showing sustained weight loss and reductions in obesity-related complications. By comparison, GLP-1 medications are relatively new in this context, and questions remain about their long-term safety, cost-effectiveness, and what happens when patients stop taking them.
Busting the myths around weight loss surgery
Despite being one of the most effective tools we have in the fight against obesity, weight loss surgery is still surrounded by stigma and misunderstanding. Many people rule it out based on fear, outdated beliefs, or misinformation. So, with Mr Jitesh Parmar’s help, we’re addressing some of the most common myths:
“Surgery is the easy way out.”
This is one of the most damaging misconceptions. In reality, surgery is just one part of a lifelong journey. Patients must commit to significant lifestyle changes—healthy eating, physical activity, mental wellbeing—to ensure lasting results. Surgery provides a powerful tool, not a shortcut.
“You’ll never enjoy food again.”
While patients do need to relearn portion sizes and may initially experience changes in appetite, most can enjoy a wide range of foods again—just in healthier quantities. The goal isn’t to eliminate pleasure, but to rebuild a better relationship with food.
“It’s only for people who are extremely obese.”
Many assume bariatric surgery is only for people with a very high BMI. In fact, people with a BMI of 35 or above, or lower if they have related health issues like type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea, may be eligible. It’s important to remember that there are guidelines for this type of procedure – It’s about health, not size alone.
“It’s dangerous.”
All surgery carries risk—but bariatric surgery today is safer than ever. Most of the procedures Mr Parmar performs are done laparoscopically, meaning smaller incisions, faster recovery, and lower complication rates. In fact, the risk of serious complications is now comparable to having a gallbladder removed (which Mr Parmer also does)!
A message for World Health Day
For Mr Jitesh Parmar, supporting patients through weight loss surgery goes beyond the operating theatre. It’s about helping people take back control of their future—starting with how they see themselves.
“Knowing yourself is far more important than any number on the scale,” he says. “That self-awareness should begin early in life. Think about how you want to feel and look—not just now, but ten years from now—and make choices today that protect that vision.”
He explains that obesity doesn’t happen overnight. It builds slowly, shaped by years of habits, circumstances, and often, neglecting our own needs. That’s why early reflection, planning and action are key.
“You have to know where you’re going if you want to avoid getting lost along the way,” Mr Parmar says. “And remember, investing in your health will always give you the biggest return—more than anything money can buy.”
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