Bariatric surgery is better for weight loss than drugs.
A recent study presented at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery meeting in Washington has highlighted that bariatric surgery is more effective for weight loss compared to popular GLP-1 drugs.
The research indicates that patients who underwent bariatric procedures lost approximately five times more weight than those treated with weekly injections of semaglutide or tirzepatide.
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Dr. Avery Brown of NYU Langone Health, who led the study, noted that while clinical trials show weight loss of 15% to 21% with GLP-1 medications, real-world results are considerably lower.
The study analyzed records from 38,545 patients prescribed these drugs between 2018 and 2024, alongside 12,540 patients who underwent bariatric surgery during the same timeframe. All participants had a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35, categorizing them as severely obese.
At the three-year mark, patients who had bariatric surgery, including sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, lost an average of 24% of their initial weight.
In contrast, those using GLP-1 drugs lost about 5% after six months and around 7% after a year.
Dr. Brown highlighted that up to 70% of patients on GLP-1 medications may discontinue treatment within a year due to side effects or costs.
Dr. Ann M. Rogers, president of the ASMBS, emphasized the durability and effectiveness of metabolic and bariatric surgery.
She suggested that patients who do not achieve sufficient weight loss with GLP-1s or face challenges with compliance should consider bariatric surgery, potentially in combination with medication.
