US bariatric surgeries fall 23% in 2024 amid GLP-1 drug rise
Updated
Updated · Gizmodo · May 5
US bariatric surgeries fall 23% in 2024 amid GLP-1 drug rise
15 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · May 5
Loyola University researchers estimated 177,297 procedures, down from a 2022 peak of 230,207 and the lowest annual total since 2020.
The study, using ACS-MBSAQIP data, found sleeve gastrectomy's share fell to 58% while gastric bypass rose to 33%, with researchers warning severe-obesity patients may be bypassing more effective care.
Presented at the ASMBS meeting, the findings do not prove causation, but add to evidence that booming Ozempic, Wegovy and related drug use is reshaping obesity treatment.
Will new 'miracle' drugs and surgery combine to create a more powerful obesity treatment than either alone?
Are popular weight loss drugs a more expensive long-term trap than the one-time cost of surgery?
GLP-1 Agonists Drive 12.4% of U.S. Adults’ Weight Loss in 2024 Amid Bariatric Surgery Decline
Overview
Between 2023 and 2024, the treatment of obesity in the U.S. shifted dramatically as GLP-1 drugs surged in popularity, becoming the dominant first-line therapy. This rise was driven by their proven effectiveness, patient preference for less invasive options, and increased pharmaceutical investment. Meanwhile, bariatric surgery declined sharply due to persistent insurance barriers, complex approval processes, and limited access, with only about 1% of eligible patients receiving surgery. The growing use of GLP-1 drugs and the drop in surgeries together marked a tipping point in obesity care. However, high costs and coverage challenges remain for both treatments, raising concerns about long-term access and equity.