London, England – Obesity surgery has emerged as a more effective means of preventing premature deaths from weight-related illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, according to recent research findings. While weight loss wonder drugs like Wegovy have garnered attention due to celebrity endorsements, a new study reveals the superior benefits of bariatric surgery in saving lives.
The study, conducted by scientists at Hasharon Hospital in Israel, tracked over 6,000 obese patients with an average age of 51 over six years. The results showed that patients who underwent surgery were 62% less likely to die from obesity-related health issues compared to those treated with Ozempic-style injections.
Obesity surgery involves procedures such as gastric bypass or gastric band insertion to reduce the size of the stomach, leading to decreased food intake. Though weight-loss medications based on semaglutide show promise in curbing appetite, surgery remains a more effective option in the long run, the study suggests.
The findings, published in the journal JAMA Open Network, highlight the significant weight loss achieved through surgery compared to drug treatments. On average, patients shed 31% of their body weight with surgery, while those on GLP-1 inhibitor drugs only lost 12.8%. This weight loss plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of death from obesity-related conditions.
Professor Alex Miras, a consultant endocrinologist at Imperial College in London, notes that losing more than 10 to 15% of body weight significantly decreases the risk of death. While newer GLP-1 drugs show potential in aiding weight loss, surgery remains a more effective option due to the substantial weight loss it facilitates.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of bariatric surgery in improving long-term health outcomes for obese individuals. With obesity rates on the rise globally, the research sheds light on the significant benefits of surgical interventions in combating weight-related health issues.