Ozempic and other semaglutide-based medications have transformed the weight loss industry, helping millions of people shed excess pounds and manage obesity. However, a new study suggests that another medical intervention - bariatric surgery - may be significantly more effective for long-term weight loss.
Researchers from New York University (NYU) compared the results of popular GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide with bariatric procedures, including sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery. Their findings revealed a major difference in weight loss outcomes between the two approaches.
Also read:Skipping Sugar In Tea Isn’t Enough: Doctors Warn Everyday Habits May Be Secretly Driving Diabetes Risk
The researchers analysed health records and matched patients based on age, body mass index (BMI), and blood sugar levels. One group had undergone bariatric surgery, while the other had been prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.
The results were striking. Patients who underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery lost an average of 25.7 percent of their total body weight over two years. In comparison, those using GLP-1 medications lost only 5.3 percent on average. The study was presented at theAmerican Society for Metabolicand Bariatric Surgery(ASMBS) annual meeting.
According to NYU surgical resident Avery Brown, real-world results for GLP-1 medications appear to be lower than those seen in clinical trials. “Clinical trials show weight loss between 15 percent and 21 percent for GLP-1s, but this study suggests that weight loss in the real world is considerably lower,” Brown explained.
Experts believe one major reason for the difference is medication adherence. Many people discontinue Ozempic, Wegovy, or other GLP-1 drugs within a year due to side effects, cost, or difficulty maintaining treatment.
Bariatric surgery, on the other hand, permanently changes the digestive system, making it a more durable weight loss solution for many patients. The study also found that bariatric surgery led to better blood sugar control than medication alone, an important factor for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Scientists are not dismissing semaglutide medications entirely
Despite the findings, researchers are not dismissing semaglutide medications entirely. Ozempic was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes and has shown benefits beyond weight loss, including reducing cardiovascular disease risk and potentially lowering certain cancer risks.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
