In recent years, semaglutide-based drugs like Ozempic have been hailed as a breakthrough for people looking to shed extra pounds. However, new data from American scientists at New York University (NYU) cast doubt on their overall effectiveness. After comparing the outcomes of patients taking modern medications with those who underwent surgery, researchers reached unexpected conclusions.
It turned out that weight loss surgeries such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass produce a much more significant and lasting effect. Two years after surgery, patients lost an average of 25.7% of their body weight, while those relying on medication lost no more than 5.3%. The difference was dramatic, and even taking into account that not all patients strictly followed their prescription regimens, surgery consistently delivered better results across all time periods.
Comparing the methods
The study compared two groups: one received GLP-1 drugs (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists), while the other underwent bariatric surgery. To ensure the accuracy of the experiment, factors such as age, body mass index, and blood sugar level were taken into account. Despite clinical trials suggesting a weight loss of 15–21% with GLP-1, real-world numbers turned out to be much more modest.
The authors note that up to 70% of patients stop taking the medication within the first year. This reduces its effectiveness and raises questions about the need to adjust expectations. At the same time, surgical methods, while requiring thorough preparation and strict adherence to a regimen afterwards, provide more stable and long-term results.
Side effects and considerations
It’s important to understand that none of these methods is a universal solution. Surgery always involves risks associated with invasive procedures and the need to follow a strict diet and exercise routine after the operation. Semaglutide-based medications, while less invasive, require discipline and regular use, which many patients find difficult to maintain.
Interestingly, despite the clear advantage of surgery in terms of weight loss, most people still opt for medication. This is due to fear of surgery, potential complications, and the need for significant lifestyle changes. Moreover, only a small percentage of patients who are eligible for surgery actually decide to take this step.
Additional benefits of the medication
It is worth noting that GLP-1 medications were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. They help lower blood glucose levels and, according to several studies, may also reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. At the same time, surgical methods also improve blood sugar control, making them even more appealing for patients with comorbid conditions.
However, as the study showed, it is specifically after surgery that patients are more likely to achieve better blood sugar levels. This further confirms that surgery can be the preferred option for people with severe obesity and related illnesses.
The future of treatment
The authors of the study emphasize that further research will focus on finding optimal strategies for different patient groups. It is important to determine who will benefit more from medications and who from surgery, as well as to assess how the cost of treatment affects the choice and success of therapy. These questions remain open, but it is already clear: there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and treatment must be individualized.
If you weren’t aware, Ozempic is the brand name of a medication based on semaglutide, originally approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and later widely adopted as a weight loss drug. It is manufactured by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. The drug works by mimicking the action of the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. In recent years, Ozempic has become one of the most talked-about weight loss medications, though its effectiveness and safety continue to be actively studied by specialists around the world.
