Ozempic vs. Surgery: The Real-World Weight Loss Showdown
Ozempic vs. Surgery: The Real-World Weight Loss Showdown
Hey friend, so there’s been a new study comparing weight loss from bariatric surgery versus those trendy GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. The results are pretty interesting, and I wanted to share the lowdown.
Researchers at NYU looked at real-world data from over 50,000 people who either got bariatric surgery (like sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass) or took GLP-1 medications (semaglutide or tirzepatide). They adjusted for age, starting weight, and other health factors to make a fair comparison.
The punchline? Surgery was a *serious* winner. After two years, people who had surgery lost an average of 58 pounds (about 24% of their body weight). Those on GLP-1 drugs? A measly 12 pounds (around 4.7%). That’s a five-fold difference!
Even though GLP-1 results were slightly better for people who stayed on the meds for a full year (7% weight loss) or used the newer, more effective tirzepatide (8-9%), it still paled in comparison to surgery.
Why the huge disparity? Several factors come into play. A significant number of people stop taking GLP-1 drugs within the first year – either because of side effects (think nausea and diarrhea) or the high cost (often over $1000 a month without insurance). Many also don’t reach the maximum dose.
The study also suggests that the supportive care and follow-up you get in a clinical trial are lacking in real-world scenarios, especially with the rise of telemedicine. This means less accountability and potentially less effective treatment.
Now, this doesn’t mean GLP-1 drugs are useless. They’re still better than many older weight-loss treatments. But the study highlights the importance of managing expectations. Weight loss with GLP-1s in real life is significantly less dramatic than what clinical trials suggest, and it’s a lifelong commitment with no guarantee of long-term weight maintenance once you stop.
Ultimately, the best approach depends on individual circumstances, preferences, and resources. Surgery is more effective, but it’s invasive and not suitable for everyone. GLP-1 drugs offer a less invasive option, but with significantly lower weight loss and ongoing costs. It’s all about weighing the pros and cons.
The researchers are planning further studies to delve deeper into why real-world results differ so much from clinical trials. It’s a reminder to always approach new treatments with a healthy dose of skepticism and to consider the full picture before making a decision.
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