Study Questions Efficacy of GLP-1 Medications Like Ozempic Before Bariatric Surgery

Recent research has raised questions about the effectiveness of GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, when taken prior to bariatric surgery. A study published in *JAMA Surgery* on August 12 indicates that using these medications before undergoing surgery does not significantly enhance weight loss outcomes 12 months post-surgery.

The study analyzed data from 383 patients who underwent bariatric surgery at a single medical center between 2022 and 2024. Out of these participants, 92 (approximately 24%) were on GLP-1 medications prior to their procedures. The researchers monitored various factors, including total body weight loss percentage, diabetes control, complications, length of hospital stays, and emergency department visits for a year after surgery.

Findings revealed no meaningful differences between the group using GLP-1s and those who did not in terms of weight loss, diabetes management, or postoperative complications. Specifically, individuals who had taken GLP-1 medications before surgery lost an average of 24% of their total body weight, compared to 25% for those who had not used the drugs. Both groups were comparable in age, body mass index (BMI), gender, and other characteristics, though those on GLP-1s had a higher prevalence of diabetes and elevated A1C levels.

Dr. Mir Ali, a bariatric surgeon not involved in the research, expressed that the study’s results were expected. He noted that patients typically lose a predictable percentage of their initial weight after surgery, making the findings not particularly surprising. However, he highlighted that the study did not assess the amount of weight participants might have lost due to GLP-1 medications before the surgery itself.

Despite the study’s conclusions, medical professionals emphasize that GLP-1 medications may still offer benefits in a bariatric treatment plan. Dr. Paunel Vukasinov, an obesity medicine specialist, pointed out that the research only followed participants for 12 months. He argued that understanding the long-term effects of these medications is crucial, as many patients experience weight regain years after surgery.

Experts suggest that GLP-1 medications can be an integral part of a comprehensive approach to obesity management. They may assist patients in losing weight before surgery, thus reducing surgical risks, and can be beneficial for those who plateau post-surgery or regain weight later. Dr. Ali noted that GLP-1s can serve as a valuable tool in an individualized weight-management plan, reinforcing the idea that obesity should be viewed as a chronic disease requiring various therapeutic strategies.

In conclusion, while the new study indicates that GLP-1 medications may not directly lead to greater weight loss after bariatric surgery, they still hold potential advantages in preoperative weight management and in addressing post-surgical weight challenges.