Obesity! It isn't joining the party fashionably late; it's been here since the '70s. And like a tenacious unwanted guest, it doesn’t seem to want to leave. Currently, almost 42 percent of adults in the U.S. have a rather uncomfortably close relationship with obesity. But there's hope. We're now armed with a better array of offensive strategies to finally bid obesity goodbye, beyond just a subscription to your friendly neighborhood gym or adapting to the allure of kale.

Ah yes, the dreaded Body Mass Index (BMI), the sorry metric to determine whether someone has obesity. While a crude measure, the BMI calculator is unfortunately still our favorite yardstick. BMI doesn't measure the distribution of body fat (where we love to harbor our extra pounds), but it classifies obesity into nasty little categories from Class 1 to Class 3, and even severe obesity. Obesity, much like a shady friend, brings along its crew of health problems such as heart issues, type 2 diabetes, chronic pain, some cancer types, and even cognitive and mood disorders.

Enter, Bariatric Surgery, the gorgeous destroyer of indulgent appetites. This operation remodels your digestive system so you can show some restraint and feel full sooner. There are mainly three types - Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, and Adjustable Gastric Band. All promise impressive weight loss and reduced obesity-related health repercussions. However, surgery comes with a bag of potentially unpleasant side effects like infection, bleeding, nutritional deficiencies, leakage in the digestive tract, and some lifestyle changes. Then there’s the cost, often running into tens of thousands of dollars. But fret not, insurance may cover part of those costs if you meet specific criteria.

Moving from the operating room to the pharmacy aisle, let’s talk about obesity medications. Newer additions to our arsenal are the GLP-1s. GLP-1 is a hormone that keeps your runaway appetite in check. These injectable drugs mimic the role of GLP-1 and induce weight loss while potentially helping manage type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and blood pressure. But as with any medication, they come with their own unique bouquet of side effects and costs, plus the issue of weight regain if you stop using them.

If you're considering walking down either of these roads, your healthcare provider should be your first pit stop. The decision shouldn’t be made on the back of an Instagram tip but in consultation with professionals. Obesity management specialists can tailor solutions based on your unique conditions and preferences.

In summary, if you're wrestling with obesity and lifestyle changes aren’t helping, consider the pros and cons of weight loss surgery or medication. Chat with your healthcare provider to draft a game plan that suits you best. Knowing your options and understanding the journey can help you reclaim your health.