Weight Loss Medications vs. Surgery: New Study Insights
Ozempic and other semaglutide medications have gained popularity for weight loss among many individuals. However, a recent study indicates that they might not always be the most effective medical choice for shedding pounds.
In fact, evidence shows that these drugs significantly lag behind another form of medical intervention—surgery. A study conducted in 2025 by researchers from New York University (NYU) compared surgical options, such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, to semaglutide and tirzepatide.
These medications are categorized as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, functioning by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which plays a role in appetite regulation.
The research team utilized health records to pair individuals taking weight loss drugs with those who had undergone bariatric surgery, matching them by age, body mass index, and blood sugar levels.
The findings were striking: individuals in the surgery group averaged a weight loss of 25.7 percent over two years, while those on medication lost only 5.3 percent. This discrepancy can partly be attributed to adherence issues with the GLP-1 drugs; surgery offers a more permanent solution, and the differences persisted even over shorter time frames, consistently favoring surgical outcomes.
NYU surgical resident Avery Brown mentioned during a presentation in June 2025 that clinical trials indicate a weight loss of 15 to 21 percent for GLP-1 medications. Still, this study reveals that real-world weight loss results are usually lower—even for patients with ongoing prescriptions.
Brown added that up to 70 percent of patients might stop treatment within a year, suggesting that those on GLP-1 should possibly adjust their expectations, follow treatment more diligently, or consider surgical options for better results.
It’s also important to point out that the study received funding from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), which might influence the emphasis on surgical methods.
The researchers are not entirely dismissive of semaglutide treatments; they showed positive outcomes as well. With a rapid increase in GLP-1 prescriptions lately, it’s becoming essential to assess their effectiveness compared to established surgical options while recognizing the best path for each individual.
ASMBS President Ann M. Rogers, who was not directly involved in the research, commented on the results, stating that while both groups experience weight loss, surgery tends to be far more effective and lasting.
While GLP-1 medications are widely favored over surgery, compliance remains an issue—many do not stick to their medication regimen. Conversely, only a small fraction of those who qualify for surgery choose to undergo it.
Moreover, weight loss isn’t the only upside of Ozempic. Initially approved for type 2 diabetes management, it helps reduce blood sugar levels. Research suggests it may also lower risks for cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
In this study, bariatric surgery aligned with even better blood sugar control compared to semaglutide.
Nonetheless, surgery isn’t a cure-all. Though generally safe, these invasive procedures are permanent and still necessitate strict adherence to diet and exercise guidelines.
“In future research, we plan to focus on optimizing GLP-1 outcomes, determining which patients may benefit more from bariatric surgery versus GLP-1 treatments, and understanding the impact of out-of-pocket costs on treatment success,” stated Karan Chhabra, a bariatric surgeon at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
This research was recently presented at the ASMBS annual meeting in 2025.
