Compared to GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, bariatric surgery provides the most significant and most sustained weight loss, according to a study presented at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery’s 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting. Even though the findings have not been published yet in a peer-reviewed journal, it is reported that bariatric surgery which is also known as metabolic, or weight loss surgery also called metabolic or weight-loss surgery, provided better results both in terms of weight loss and sustained time than GLP-1 agonists.
The scientists reviewed studies that included thousands of people from clinical studies and several randomized clinical trials. They reported that lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, resulted in an average weight loss of 7% of body weight. However, they reported that people typically regained weight within about 4 years. They said that GLP-1 medications and weight loss surgery were superior to lifestyle interventions. Researchers who are not involved in the study say that Genetic makeup might be the reason. The perception of people who are obese is that they are lazy and don’t care. That usually isn’t true. They need options other than diet and exercise.
It is reported that 20 weeks of weekly injections of GLP-1 semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) resulted in a 10% body weight loss and 36 weeks of weekly injections of tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) resulted in a 21% body weight loss.
When looking at the results of weight loss surgery, the researchers found a total weight loss of nearly 32% for gastric bypass and 29% for sleeve gastrectomy one year after surgery. Study participants-maintained weight loss of about 25% up to 10 years after surgery. Metabolic and bariatric surgery are the most effective and durable treatments for obesity. Diet and exercise are only effective for 1 to 2 per cent of people who are obese. Not only is it the most effective for weight loss, but it is also the most effective for sustaining weight loss.
Surgery is very underutilized, with only about 1 to 2 per cent of people who could benefit from it getting the surgery. These surgeries have long-term benefits with remissions lasting 15 years or more. Doctors also say that bariatric surgery has the potential for the most significant and longest-lasting weight loss, but because it alters your digestive tract and limits what and how much you can eat, it also requires a commitment to permanent diet and lifestyle changes.
