A newly released study reveals that one weight loss treatment is significantly more effective than GLP-1 agonist medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, which are becoming increasingly popular for weight loss.
Though Ozempic is primarily marketed for individuals with type 2 diabetes to assist in managing blood sugar levels, it has gained popularity among those seeking weight loss. It is important to note that Ozempic has not been officially approved for weight loss purposes, unlike drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy.
Researchers are suggesting that individuals aiming to lose weight should have realistic expectations regarding weight loss injections and consider alternative, more effective treatments.
Research conducted earlier this year indicates that procedures like sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass are five times more effective in aiding weight loss compared to semaglutide (the active component in Ozempic and Wegovy) or tirzepatide (the active component in Mounjaro).
Experts from NYU Langone Health and NYC Health + Hospitals discovered that patients who underwent these surgical procedures lost an average of 58 pounds over two years. In contrast, those who used a GLP-1 prescription for at least six months lost an average of just 12 pounds.
Even though some might argue that GLP-1 drug users had less time to achieve weight loss compared to those who opted for surgery, researchers highlight that many individuals find it challenging to maintain the use of weight loss injections over an extended period.
Avery Brown, MD, the lead author of the study, notes that 70 percent of individuals discontinue GLP-1 medications within a year.
The study also emphasizes that after a year of using GLP-1 drugs, patients only lost seven percent of their body weight, whereas those who underwent surgery two years prior lost 24 percent.
Dr. Brown stated, “Clinical trials show weight loss between 15% to 21% 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.”
“GLP-1 patients may need to adjust their expectations, adhere more closely to treatment or opt for metabolic and bariatric surgery to achieve desired results,” Dr. Brown added.
All surgeries, including gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, come with inherent risks, as noted by Mayo Clinic. Potential complications can include infection, blood clots, bowel obstruction, and hernias.
Surgery is a permanent solution, which some individuals may approach cautiously, whereas weight loss medications can be discontinued at any time if desired.
Additionally, surgery requires adherence to strict diet and exercise regimens to achieve and maintain weight loss goals.
Karan Chhabra, a bariatric surgeon at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, remarked, “In future studies we will aim to identify what healthcare providers can do to optimize GLP-1 outcomes, identify which patients are better treated with bariatric surgery versus GLP-1s, and determine the role out-of-pocket costs play in treatment success.”