One Weight Loss Strategy Is 5x More Effective Than Ozempic, Study Finds

While drugs such as Ozempic have proven effective for many seeking to lose weight, new research indicates that surgery is considerably more effective.

A study conducted by researchers at New York University (NYU) compared the outcomes of bariatric surgeries (specifically sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass) with those achieved using semaglutide or tirzepatide. These medications mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite.

Researchers analyzed health records, matching individuals who used weight loss drugs with those who underwent bariatric surgery. The matching was based on factors such as age, body mass index, and blood sugar levels.

The results showed a significant difference: the surgery group experienced an average weight loss of 25.7 percent of their total body weight over two years, compared to 5.3 percent in the medication group.

One factor contributing to this difference is patient adherence, as individuals may not consistently stick to their GLP-1 drug regimens. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. even when considering shorter timeframes, surgery consistently yielded superior results.

According to Avery Brown, a surgical resident at NYU, clinical trials typically show weight loss between 15 and 21 percent for GLP-1s. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. this study suggests that real-world weight loss is considerably lower, even for patients with active prescriptions for a full year. Brown presented these findings in June at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) annual meeting 2025.

Brown noted that as many as 70 percent of patients may discontinue GLP-1 treatment within a year. This suggests that GLP-1 patients may need to adjust their expectations, adhere more closely to treatment, or consider surgery to achieve their desired results.

It's important to acknowledge that the ASMBS, which funded the study, may have an interest in promoting surgical options. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the researchers do not dismiss semaglutide treatments, which also demonstrated beneficial results in the study.

With prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs doubling between 2022 and 2023, it's crucial to compare their effectiveness to established surgical methods to determine the best options for each individual.

Ann M. Rogers, president of ASMBS, emphasized that while both patient groups experienced weight loss, metabolic and bariatric surgery is significantly more effective and durable. Rogers was not involved in the study itself.

Despite the effectiveness of surgery, GLP-1 drugs remain more popular, although adherence can be an issue. Conversely, only a small percentage of eligible individuals opt for surgery.

Beyond weight loss, Ozempic was initially approved to treat type 2 diabetes due to its ability to lower blood sugar levels. Studies have also indicated its potential to reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. The NYU study found that bariatric surgery was associated with even better blood sugar control.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. surgery is not without its drawbacks. While generally safe, these procedures are invasive and permanent, requiring patients to maintain strict diet and exercise routines.

Looking ahead, Karan Chhabra, a bariatric surgeon at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, stated that future studies will focus on optimizing GLP-1 outcomes, identifying patients best suited for bariatric surgery versus GLP-1s, and determining the role of out-of-pocket costs in treatment success.