Weight-Loss Surgery Crushes Ozempic in Stunning New Study

A groundbreaking study revealed that weight-loss surgery packs a far heavier punch than popular GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, delivering five times the weight loss in real-world settings. Presented at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) 2025 Annual Meeting in Washington, the findings challenge the hype surrounding injectable medications.

Analyzing medical records from 51,085 patients at NYU Langone Health and NYC Health + Hospitals, researchers compared outcomes for those with a BMI of 35 or higher who underwent bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass) versus those prescribed semaglutide (Ozempic) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro) between 2018 and 2024. Surgical patients shed an average of 58 pounds after two years, equating to a 24% total body weight loss. In contrast, GLP-1 users lost just 12 pounds (4.7%) over the same period, even with at least six months of treatment. Those sticking with the drugs for a full year fared slightly better, losing 7%, but still lagged far behind surgical results.

Lead researcher Dr. Avery Brown from NYU Langone Health noted that clinical trials often boast 15-21% weight loss for GLP-1s, but real-world adherence tells a different story. Up to 70% of patients abandon these prescriptions within a year, diluting their impact. Brown suggested that patients may need to temper expectations, adhere strictly to treatment, or consider surgery for more dramatic results.

Yet, surgery isn’t a magic bullet. Florida neurosurgeon Dr. Brett Osborn emphasized its risks and the need for lasting behavioral changes. "Surgery shrinks your stomach, not your cravings," he quipped, pointing out high rates of weight regain due to poor post-op discipline. Meanwhile, GLP-1 drugs work by rewiring appetite and satiety signals in the brain, offering benefits beyond weight loss, like reduced dementia risk and heart protection, though side effects and costs remain hurdles.

Despite their popularity—12% of Americans have tried GLP-1s, with 6% currently using them—discontinuation rates are steep, with 72% quitting after two years. Bariatric surgery, while more effective, is far less common, with only 1% of eligible patients opting for it in 2023. As obesity demands tailored solutions, future research aims to refine GLP-1 outcomes and identify ideal candidates for each approach.