Will Ozempic Replace Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a life-saving method for weight reduction. Surgeons turn to it when diet and exercise are ineffective or simply not enough. The use of GLP-1s could change the game. Weight loss injections are helpful for many. They may seem to be a replacement for obesity surgery. Or are they really?

Ozempic or Weight Loss Surgery?

Ozempic offers a variety of benefits. It is far less risky for many people than weight loss surgery. There are indications that some people may benefit from GLP-1s enough to not need weight loss surgery. Yet, there are limitations to think about before writing off the benefits of surgical procedures.

For example, weight loss surgery is a permanent change. It modifies the digestive system comprehensively, which is a lifelong change for most people. Medications, if accessible, can help a person lose weight. Yet, some evidence suggests that weight loss is dependent on long-term drug use. Stopping the drug could lead to weight regain.

Weight loss surgery is a respected treatment for obesity. Many health insurance plans cover it for those who meet requirements. Weight loss injections are not as well covered by health insurance and tend to be very expensive out-of-pocket, making long-term use more challenging.

A Unique Combination

An alternative strategy is to combine weight loss surgery and GLP-1s. Doing so could reduce surgical risk. It may also encourage enough weight loss to reduce a variety of health conditions, including surgical risks.

It is important to note that GLP-1s do have a cut-off. That is, they may not be enough on their own to help those with morbid obesity to lose enough weight. The combination of GLP-1s and bariatric surgery could offer more long-term, sustainable weight loss goals.

Ozempic and other weight loss drugs will undoubtedly reduce the use of bariatric surgery, but they are not likely to eliminate it. Most commonly, people will use them together to achieve a better, long-term, and permanent solution to weight loss. The key is to understand each individual patient’s needs and tailor treatment to those needs specifically.