The Future of Weight Loss: Can New Drugs Replace Surgery?
A heated debate is brewing in the world of weight loss treatment. With the emergence of powerful new obesity drugs, some experts are questioning the future role of bariatric surgery.
This discussion took center stage at the French Society of Endocrinology’s annual congress in October 2024, where two leading specialists presented contrasting views.
Dr. Emmanuel Disse, an endocrinologist from Lyon University Hospital, defended the effectiveness and long-term benefits of bariatric surgery. “Surgery most often results in weight loss exceeding 25% of initial weight, and in some cases, the loss can reach up to 40%,” he argued. “This level of effectiveness surpasses that of GLP-1 analogs, which lead to weight loss ranging from 5% to 10% (Saxenda), 15% to 17% (Wegovy), or 15% to 22.5% (Mounjaro), based on clinical studies.”
Dr. Disse also highlighted the track record of surgical safety, emphasizing that “surgery has demonstrated good tolerance over time, whereas the long-term safety of new obesity drugs remains uncertain.”
However, Dr. François Pattou, a surgeon from Lille University Hospital, took a more cautious approach. While acknowledging France’s prominence in bariatric procedures (with 1% of the population having already undergone surgery), he cautioned against overstating surgical success. He pointed out that studies supporting surgery often exhibit selection bias, as not all patients are willing to undergo surgery.
Furthermore, “The effectiveness of GLP-1 analogs, however, is now approaching that of surgery," Dr. Pattou stated. He also highlighted that weight loss after surgery is not always permanent, and the need for reoperations due to complications or weight regain is a significant concern, impacting about 13% of patients.
Both experts agreed that surgery and medications can play complementary roles in weight management, but they stressed the need for clearer guidelines to help doctors determine the best approach for each patient.
“[T]he future likely lies in personalized medicine,” Dr. Disse admitted. “A growing demand for obesity treatment, driven by substantial investments from pharmaceutical companies, is expected to advance knowledge and treatment options significantly.”
As this debate unfolds and new research emerges, the decision of whether to pursue surgery or opt for medication will likely become increasingly individualized, guided by a deeper understanding of each patient’s unique needs and health profile.
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This story was translated from
Univadis France
using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
