Abstract
Background: Obesity is a growing public health concern in Saudi Arabia, with increasing prevalence rates and associated risks such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and reduced quality of life. Lifestyle modifications and bariatric surgery, particularly laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), are two commonly employed strategies for weight reduction. This cross-sectional study compares the effectiveness of LSG and lifestyle modifications in achieving weight loss and improving quality of life among individuals in the Western region of Saudi Arabia.
Objective: To evaluate and compare the outcomes of gastric sleeve surgery and lifestyle modification for weight reduction, focusing on weight loss outcomes, health improvements, and patient satisfaction.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia from November 2022 to January 2024, involving 200 participants aged 14 years and older with a BMI of 25 or higher. The participants were either following a lifestyle modification regimen or had undergone gastric sleeve surgery. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, which included 15 open-ended and multiple-choice questions covering demographics, personal information, BMI, chronic disease status, weight loss, and the perceived advantages and disadvantages of the interventions. Statistical analyses, including both descriptive and inferential methods, were performed with a significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results: Among the participants, 82.5% were female, and the mean BMI was 28.9 ± 6.9 kg/m². The study found that gastric sleeve surgery resulted in greater weight loss, with 87% of participants losing more than 20 kg. In contrast, lifestyle modification led to more modest weight loss, with 35% of participants losing more than 10 kg. Both methods were associated with improvements in self-confidence, control of chronic diseases, and overall quality of life, though surgical patients reported a higher incidence of complications such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and skin redundancy.
Conclusion: Gastric sleeve surgery is more effective for achieving significant weight loss compared to lifestyle modification. However, both methods offer health benefits, with surgery leading to more rapid results. These findings underscore the importance of personalized weight management strategies in the Western region of Saudi Arabia, taking into account patient preferences, health status, and potential risks.

Key words: obesity, gastric sleeve surgery, lifestyle modification, weight reduction, Saudi Arabia, cross-sectional study.