New York, NY – Recent systematic reviews of medical data have shed light on the effectiveness of different weight-loss methods. According to findings presented at the 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), bariatric surgery stands out as the most successful and long-lasting treatment for severe obesity compared to other treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists and lifestyle changes.
Research has shown that lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, typically result in an average weight loss of 7.4%, but the weight is usually regained within 4.1 years. On the other hand, GLP-1s and metabolic and bariatric surgery have proven to be far superior in achieving sustained weight loss. The studies included thousands of patients from clinical studies and randomized clinical trials.
Bariatric surgery procedures such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy have shown significant weight loss results, with total weight loss of 31.9% and 29.5%, respectively, one year post-surgery. The weight loss is maintained at approximately 25% for up to a decade after surgery, making it one of the most effective and durable treatments for severe obesity.
Despite the proven benefits of bariatric surgery, it remains underutilized in the treatment of severe obesity. Study co-author and bariatric surgeon, Dr. Marina Kurian from NYU Langone Health, emphasized the need for an increased role of surgery in obesity treatment, urging for its consideration earlier in the disease process rather than as a last resort.
In 2022, nearly 280,000 metabolic and bariatric procedures were conducted in the United States, which only represents about 1% of eligible individuals based on BMI criteria. With obesity affecting 42.4% of Americans, the need for effective treatment options like bariatric surgery is critical in combating related health risks such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Experts point out that while new drug treatments show promise in the fight against obesity, metabolic and bariatric surgery remains one of the most powerful tools available. Dr. Ann Rogers, President-elect of ASMBS and Professor of Surgery at Penn State College of Medicine, highlights the importance of considering the risks associated with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, noting that the benefits of surgery outweigh the risks for many individuals.
The study methodology involved a systematic review of studies examining weight loss through various methods, including lifestyle modifications, GLP-1s, and metabolic and bariatric surgery. With approximately 20,000 patients reviewed, the study provides valuable insights into the efficacy and durability of common weight loss methods, emphasizing the importance of considering bariatric surgery as a primary treatment option for severe obesity.