Weight-loss medications based on GLP-1 hormones have become widely used in recent years and have shown strong results in clinical trials.
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), however, many patients achieve less weight loss when the treatment is used in routine clinical practice.
One key explanation is that many patients discontinue treatment early. This may be due to side effects, high out-of-pocket costs, or a lack of follow-up, among other factors.
When treatment is stopped, the effect declines markedly, even if the medication itself is effective.
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What do the numbers show?
The study, which was presented at ASMBS’s annual meeting, is based on medical record data from more than 50,000 patients treated in New York between 2018 and 2024.
All participants had a BMI of at least 35. Some underwent bariatric surgery, while others received GLP-1 medication.
According to ASMBS, the results were adjusted to account for differences in age, weight, and underlying disease.
The figures provide a realistic picture of how the treatments perform in everyday healthcare settings, rather than only under ideal conditions.
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The decisive difference
Patients who underwent bariatric surgery lost an average of about 58 pounds over two years (approximately 26 kilograms).
Patients receiving medical treatment lost about 12 pounds (around 5.5 kilograms) over the same period, according to ASMBS.
According to U.S. health authorities, more than 40 percent of adults are overweight.
The results therefore underscore that the choice of treatment should take into account both effectiveness and the ability to maintain treatment over time.
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Sources: Science Daily, and American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
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