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At the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery's 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting, researchers unveiled a groundbreaking study indicating the supremacy of bariatric surgery over GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy in achieving substantial and enduring weight loss.

Conducting systematic reviews of studies published between 2020 and 2024, the researchers underscored the unparalleled efficacy of bariatric surgery, also known as metabolic or weight-loss surgery, compared to GLP-1 agonists. Despite the findings awaiting publication in a peer-reviewed journal, the study's insights are poised to reshape approaches to obesity treatment.

Examining data from clinical studies and randomized clinical trials involving thousands of individuals, the researchers observed that bariatric surgery consistently outperformed lifestyle interventions, GLP-1 medications, and other obesity treatments in terms of weight loss and durability. Notably, while lifestyle interventions typically resulted in a modest 7% reduction in body weight, the effects were often short-lived, with weight regain occurring within approximately four years.

Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, Chief of Bariatric Surgery at NYU Langone Health, emphasized the limitations of traditional approaches saying, "Diet and exercise do not work for the vast majority of people. Genetic makeup is often to blame. "

"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."

The study delved into various obesity treatments, revealing that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy induced notable weight loss percentages over specific durations. However, the researchers highlighted the regressive trend observed post-treatment cessation, underscoring the transient nature of these interventions compared to bariatric surgery's enduring effects.

Dr. Mir Ali, a bariatric surgeon and medical director, echoed sentiments regarding the unparalleled efficacy and durability of bariatric surgery, emphasizing its underutilization despite its transformative potential in long-term weight management.

"Metabolic and bariatric surgery are the most effective and durable treatment for obesity," Ali, who was not involved in the study, told Medical News Today. "Diet and exercise are only effective for 1 to 2 percent 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 percent of people who could benefit from it getting the surgery. These surgeries have long-term benefits with remissions lasting 15 years or more."

Despite the remarkable strides made in surgical and pharmacological obesity treatments, experts stress the indispensable role of lifestyle modifications in sustaining weight loss. Anne Danahy, a registered dietician, emphasizes the necessity of permanent dietary and lifestyle changes to complement surgical interventions effectively.

"No matter how a person chooses to lose weight, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes are still essential to maintain weight loss," she said.

"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. Without those long-term changes, it's very possible to regain much of the weight after the surgery."

In navigating the myriad weight loss options, Tatiana Ridley, a wellness expert and holistic nutritionist, advises individuals to prioritize discussions with healthcare professionals to tailor treatment strategies aligned with their health conditions, weight loss objectives, and overall well-being.

"Determining the best weight loss strategy - bariatric surgery, diet and lifestyle changes, or a GLP-1 drug, like semaglutide or tirzepatide - depends on your health conditions, weight loss goals, and health history," said Ridley.

"Some clients in our Medical Weight Loss Program at ReBalance NYC require weight loss before undergoing bariatric surgery. To help them achieve their pre-surgery goals, we integrate diet and lifestyle plans, often with GLP-1 medications."