A recent study published in Surgical Endoscopy has found that the cumulative cost of weekly anti-obesity drugs, such as liraglutide (Saxenda) and semaglutide (Wegovy), surpasses the cost of metabolic and bariatric surgery within a year. Researchers from USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa, FL, compared the long-term expenses of GLP-1 agonist drug therapy to one-time surgical procedures, including gastric sleeve and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The findings provide valuable insights into the financial aspects of obesity treatment options.
The study highlights that bariatric surgery delivers faster and more lasting results in addressing obesity and metabolic syndrome, while offering significant long-term cost savings. The researchers noted that bariatric surgery consistently reduces the need for medications, lowers healthcare utilization such as clinic and emergency room visits, and decreases overall mortality—all contributing to reduced healthcare costs.
Dr. Ann M. Rogers, President of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), emphasized that metabolic surgery remains highly effective for long-term diabetes remission and sustained weight loss, outperforming medical therapies and lifestyle changes alone. She added that these health benefits translate into substantial financial savings, reinforcing the case for broader surgical access.
Despite its advantages, bariatric surgery remains underutilized. According to ASMBS, only around 280,000 metabolic and bariatric procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2022, accounting for just 1% of those who qualify based on BMI. The CDC reports that approximately 40% of U.S. adults are obese, with severe obesity affecting about 10% of the population.
Meanwhile, medications like Ozempic (semaglutide), originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, have gained widespread attention for their weight-loss benefits. Ozempic works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to regulate blood sugar and appetite, often leading to significant weight reduction. However, its high cost, limited insurance coverage, and potential side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal issues, also Ozempic deaths, raise concerns about long-term use and accessibility.
