Popular weight-loss drugs prove more costly than metabolic and bariatric surgery within one year

The cost of taking weekly injections of popular anti-obesity medications liraglutide (Saxenda) or semaglutide (Wegovy) exceeds that of metabolic and bariatric surgery in less than a year, according to a recent analysis published in the journal Surgical Endoscopy. Researchers from USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa, FL compared the cumulative cost of pharmacotherapy with GLP-1 agonists to onetime surgical procedures, sleeve gastrectomy and Rou-en-Y gastric bypass, providing important new insights into cost considerations surrounding surgical and drug treatment of obesity.

“Bariatric surgery offers a more permanent and rapid resolution to obesity and metabolic syndrome, with cost-saving benefits in the long-term,” the researchers wrote. “Bariatric has consistently demonstrated a significant reduction in the use and cost of medications post-bariatric surgery, a decrease in clinic and emergency room visits, and a decreased all-cause mortality, which contributes to a significant cost-saving.”

Ann M. Rogers, MD, ACS FASMBS, President, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), commented: “Studies consistently show the efficacy of metabolic surgery in achieving long-term diabetes remission and substantial weight loss, far surpassing results achieved with medical management or diets and exercise alone. This not only results in better health, but in significant cost savings too -- yet another reason for patients to consider surgery and insurers to expand access to the gold standard of obesity treatment.”

The ASMBS reports that in 2022 nearly 280,000 metabolic and bariatric procedures were performed in the U.S., which represents only about 1% of those who meet eligibility requirements based on BMI. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. obesity rate is about 40%. Severe obesity affects about 1 in 10.

About Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Metabolic, bariatric, or weight-loss surgery such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, has been shown to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for severe obesity. The operations improve or resolve diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure and leads to significant and durable weight loss. Its safety profile is comparable to some of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries in the U.S. including gallbladder surgery, appendectomy and knee replacement.

About ASMBS

The ASMBS is the largest organization for bariatric surgeons in the United States. It is a non-profit that works to advance the art and science of bariatric surgery and is committed to educating medical professionals and the lay public about bariatric surgery as an option for the treatment of severe obesity, as well as the associated risks and benefits. It encourages its members to investigate and discover new advances in bariatric surgery, while maintaining a steady exchange of experiences and ideas that may lead to improved surgical outcomes for patients with severe obesity. For more information, visit www.asmbs.org.