A new report indicates that the increasing popularity of GLP-1 drugs, e.g. wegovy And zepboundWhich is leading to a significant decline in weight loss surgeries among Americans. The report highlights that prescriptions for this class of diabetes and weight loss drugs are set to more than double from 2022 to 2023.

The study, led by Dr. Thomas Tsai, assistant professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School in Boston, found a significant 25.6 percent drop in weight loss in patients who chose the metabolic option. bariatric surgery During the same period. This trend coincides with the US Food and Drug Administration approving Wegovi in ​​mid-2021, the first GLP-1 drug specifically designed for weight loss. After this approval, Vegovy and similar medicines also started selling OzempicMonjaro and Zepbound have grown dramatically.

These GLP-1 drugs have been recognized for their effectiveness in promoting rapid weight loss by creating a feeling of satiety, causing patients to consume fewer calories. Before the introduction of these medications, Americans seeking to lose weight relied primarily on diet and exercise or surgical options. However, according to Tsai’s team, the advent of the “Ozempic era” appears to be reshaping the landscape of weight loss treatments. They noted that some health systems have also closed hospital-based metabolic bariatric surgery programs due to lack of demand for such procedures.

To analyze these trends more quantitatively, researchers examined the medical records of more than 17 million Americans insured through private plans or Medicare Advantage, all of whom were non-diabetic but classified as obese. The study tracked trends in prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss during the last six months of 2022 and 2023, as well as rates of bariatric surgery over the same time frame.

The findings showed that prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs increased by 132.6 percent, while rates of bariatric surgery decreased by 25.6 percent. However, the study questions the sustainability of these trends. While drugs like Vegovy and Zepbound are effective, Tsai and colleagues warn that their high cost and gastrointestinal side effects may lead to treatment discontinuation and potential weight regain.

Additionally, demand for weight loss medications has exceeded supply, suggesting that if the national shortage of GLP-1 continues, the number of patients turning to weight loss surgery may increase again . In light of these observations, Tsai’s team emphasizes the importance of policymakers and physicians closely monitoring the balance between medicinal and surgical approaches. obesity managementEnsuring optimal access to effective treatments.

The findings were published Oct. 25 in the journal JAMA Network Open.

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