Final answer:
In the short term, the most expensive method of weight loss for someone who is obese is likely to be gastric bypass surgery due to the surgical and post-operative care costs. Non-surgical methods accrue costs over time and may vary in effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the short term, the most expensive method of weight loss for someone who is obese is likely to be gastric bypass surgery. Bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, is a surgical procedure that is highly effective for weight loss in obese individuals. It does so by altering the structure of the gastrointestinal system, greatly reducing the stomach size which limits the amount of food intake and the length of the small intestine which reduces nutrient absorption. Although this type of surgery offers a significant and swift impact on weight loss, the cost of the surgery itself as well as the associated pre-operative and post-operative care makes it an expensive option, particularly in the short-term where the initial costs are concentrated.
Weight management through non-surgical methods such as joining Weight Watchers, signing an annual contract at a gym, purchasing meal plans through Jenny Craig or Nutrisystem, or attending Overeaters Anonymous meetings is generally less expensive upfront but may vary in effectiveness. Success with these methods often requires a long-term commitment to dietary changes and increased physical activity. Unlike bariatric surgery, the costs associated with these non-surgical options usually accrue over time with ongoing expenses.