Ozempic and Semaglutide Medications vs. Bariatric Surgery: Which is More Effective for Weight Loss?
Ozempic and other semaglutide medications have gained popularity for their ability to help people shed pounds. However, a recent study conducted by researchers at New York University (NYU) has revealed that these medications are still not as effective as bariatric surgery when it comes to weight loss.
The study compared sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass operations with semaglutide or tirzepatide, which are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These drugs mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone, which controls appetite.
Using health records, the researchers matched individuals who had taken weight loss drugs with those who had undergone bariatric surgery, based on age, body mass index, and blood sugar levels.
The findings revealed that individuals in the surgery group lost an average of 25.7 percent of their total body weight over two years, while those in the medication group only lost 5.3 percent.
One reason for this difference is that some patients do not adhere to their GLP-1 medications, whereas surgery provides more permanent results. Additionally, the researchers observed consistently better results with surgery over shorter time frames.
Avery Brown, a surgical resident at NYU Langone Health, noted, “Clinical trials show weight loss between 15 percent to 21 percent for GLP-1s, but this study suggests that weight loss in the real world is considerably lower even for patients who have active prescriptions for an entire year.”
Despite the study being funded by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), which promotes surgical options, the researchers emphasize that semaglutide treatments still show positive results. With the increasing popularity of GLP-1 prescriptions, it is essential to compare them to established surgical methods to determine the most suitable option for each individual.
While GLP-1 drugs are more commonly prescribed than surgery, many individuals do not adhere to taking them regularly. On the other hand, only a small percentage of eligible individuals opt for surgery as a weight loss solution.
It is important to note that Ozempic, in addition to aiding in weight loss, was initially approved for treating type 2 diabetes due to its ability to lower blood sugar levels. Studies have also shown its potential to reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Bariatric surgery was associated with improved blood sugar control in the study, highlighting additional benefits of surgical intervention.
However, surgery is not without its drawbacks. While safe, the procedures are invasive, permanent, and require patients to adhere to strict diet and exercise regimens.
Karan Chhabra, a bariatric surgeon at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, stated, “In future studies, we will aim to identify what healthcare providers can do to optimize GLP-1 outcomes, determine which patients are better suited for bariatric surgery versus GLP-1s, and assess the impact of out-of-pocket costs on treatment success.”
The research findings were presented at the ASMBS annual meeting in 2025.
