Ozempic and other semaglutide medications have indeed been effective for many in losing weight. However, a recent study indicates that these options can’t quite measure up to the results of surgical procedures, and the differences are substantial.
Researchers at New York University (NYU) looked into how well sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass compare with semaglutide or tirzepatide, drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone that helps manage appetite.
The study matched individuals using weight loss drugs with those who had undergone either of the bariatric surgeries, taking into account factors like age, body mass index, and blood sugar levels.
The results showed that participants who had surgery lost an average of 25.7 percent of their total body weight over a span of two years, while those on medication saw a loss of about 5.3 percent.
This discrepancy is partly due to patient adherence; it seems many aren’t sticking with their GLP-1 medications, while surgical outcomes are more lasting. Even over shorter periods, surgery consistently outperformed the drugs.
“Clinical trials indicate weight loss of 15 to 21 percent with GLP-1s, but our findings suggest that actual weight loss tends to be lower in practice, even for those with prescriptions for a full year,” said NYU surgical resident Avery Brown when sharing the findings in June.
“It’s notable that around 70 percent of patients might end up stopping treatment within a year. Those on GLP-1s may need to adjust their expectations or adhere more strictly to their treatment—or perhaps consider bariatric surgery to reach their goals.”
It’s also important to mention that the study received funding from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), an organization that may have an interest in highlighting surgical options.
Nevertheless, researchers didn’t dismiss the potential benefits of semaglutide; it still showed positive outcomes. With GLP-1 prescriptions doubling from 2022 to 2023, it’s vital to compare these medications against existing surgical methods to determine what might be best for each individual.
Although GLP-1 drugs remain more commonly used than surgery, many patients tend to struggle with consistent use. In contrast, only a limited number of those eligible for surgical options actually pursue them.
Ozempic offers more than just weight loss benefits; it was first approved for managing type 2 diabetes and has been shown to help reduce blood sugar levels. There’s also evidence that it may lower cancer risk and cardiovascular issues. In fact, bariatric surgery was found to offer even better blood sugar management.
That said, surgery isn’t the perfect solution. It’s a major procedure that’s permanent and still demands a commitment to diet and exercise.
“Future research will focus on how healthcare providers can improve GLP-1 outcomes, identify which patients are better suited for surgery versus medications, and examine the impact of out-of-pocket costs on treatment success,” noted Karan Chhabra, a bariatric surgeon at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
The findings were shared at the ASMBS annual meeting in 2025.
