Impact of GLP-1 Drugs on Bariatric Surgery

The emergence of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Wagovi, has triggered a significant shift in the landscape of obesity treatment, raising questions about the future of bariatric surgery. Historical parallels suggest that as medical innovations offer alternatives, surgical procedures may see a decline; for instance, cardiac stent advancements led to fewer coronary bypass surgeries. Surgeries for obesity had previously seen steady growth, but early estimates indicate a potential decrease of 20 to 30% in bariatric cases due to the accessibility of GLP-1 medications. Despite this decrease, it's crucial to recognize that only about 1% of eligible patients undertake surgical treatment, highlighting systemic barriers rather than just the impact of new medications.