Study Findings
On May 28, 2025, researchers at New York University revealed the results of a study comparing the effectiveness of bariatric surgery versus drug-based weight loss treatments. Funded by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the research found that patients who underwent bariatric procedures lost an average of 25.7% of their body weight over two years. In contrast, those receiving medication saw only a 5.3% reduction.
The study examined two types of bariatric surgeries: sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. The medication group was treated with semaglutide and tirzepatide, both belonging to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. While clinical trials for GLP-1 drugs had shown weight loss of 15–21%, real-world outcomes were lower. As Avery Brown noted,
“Clinical trials reported 15–21% weight loss with GLP-1 drugs, but in real-world settings, results were even lower—even among patients with active prescriptions for a full year.”
Notably, up to 70% of patients may discontinue treatment within the first year.
Treatment Effectiveness
Anne Rogers emphasized that
“Both methods help reduce weight, but surgery offers a more lasting and pronounced effect.”
This suggests that bariatric surgery may be a superior option for patients aiming for significant weight loss.
According to Karan Chhabra, future studies should explore how to improve outcomes with GLP-1 medications and determine which patients are best suited for surgery. These insights could help develop more effective obesity treatment strategies and enhance the quality of life for those affected.
This study highlights the critical need to choose the right obesity treatment, as the results show a clear advantage for bariatric surgery over medication. Given that obesity remains a major health issue worldwide, understanding the effectiveness of different approaches can significantly shape treatment and prevention strategies. Continued research in this area is essential to ensure patients achieve the best possible outcomes.