Health
Bariatric Surgery Beats GLP-1 Drugs for Lasting Weight Loss
Health Points
- Bariatric surgery leads to greater and longer-lasting weight loss than GLP-1 medications, new research shows.
- A two-year study found patients who had surgery lost about five times more weight than those on GLP-1 drugs.
- GLP-1 medications remain a valuable option for many, though results depend on long-term use and other factors.
Recent research reveals that while GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have helped many lose weight, bariatric surgery is more effective for shedding pounds and keeping them off.
A study presented at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery showed that people undergoing sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass lost around 24% of their body weight over two years, compared to about 5% for those using GLP-1 drugs.
Patients on GLP-1 medications for up to a year saw much smaller weight reductions than those who opted for surgery. Researchers noted this gap is likely due to lower long-term adherence to medication outside of clinical trials.
“Clinical trials show weight loss between 15-21% for GLP-1s, but this study suggests that weight loss in the real world is considerably lower,” said Dr. Avery Brown, lead author of the study.
Experts say that medication effectiveness diminishes in real-life settings because people may miss doses or stop treatment early, often due to costs or side effects.
Dr. Karan Chhabra, a bariatric surgeon involved in the study, noted the rise in easy access to GLP-1 prescriptions and emphasized the need for careful medical oversight.
“We have to take the prescribing of them much more seriously. I don’t think we can be giving them out like candy,” Chhabra explained.
The study tracked over 38,000 people on GLP-1 drugs and more than 12,000 who had bariatric surgery, confirming surgery’s edge for lasting weight loss in eligible patients.
Still, GLP-1 medications remain important for treating obesity. “We’ve never had such a good obesity medicine,” said Dr. Shauna Levy, an obesity medicine specialist.
Bariatric surgery changes the digestive system and helps people lose 20-50% of their body weight, though it is invasive and comes with potential risks.
The choice between medication and surgery is a personal decision that depends on individual needs and health conditions.
“A lot of people, when they get bariatric surgery, are doing it because they want to come off medicines,” Levy shared.
For those who want a one-time solution, surgery offers long-term benefits, though there’s still a possibility of regaining weight over time. Some may prefer medications if they don’t want surgery or don’t qualify.
Experts recommend discussing your weight loss goals and health concerns with your doctor to choose the safest and most effective option.
Looking for more trusted health tips for lasting wellness at any age? Visit the source for further reading.
