As GLP-1 drugs surge in popularity, bariatric surgery rates plunge across the US
Medical Xpress • • health
Key Points:
- A recent US study of 11.7 million insurance enrollees found that from 2022 to 2024, use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss surged by 140.4%, while metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) rates declined by 34.1%.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide mimic natural hormones to suppress appetite and regulate blood sugar, making them effective for managing obesity and related metabolic disorders without surgery.
- The study showed that nearly 10% of eligible patients chose GLP-1 drugs, whereas only 0.4% opted for bariatric surgery, with surgery rates dropping sharply by 14% in 2023 and 23% in 2024.
- Despite the rise in medication use, over 90% of people with obesity or diabetes in the study received neither GLP-1 treatment nor surgery, indicating that obesity remains largely undertreated.
- These findings highlight a significant shift in obesity treatment preferences and underscore the need for improved access and planning for effective weight-loss therapies.