What Is Best for Weight Loss? A Comparative Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Bariatric Surgery Versus Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Analogue

Abstract

Obesity is a global health concern, necessitating effective weight-loss interventions. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of semaglutide, a pharmacotherapeutic option, with bariatric surgery, a commonly utilized surgical intervention, for weight reduction. A systematic review of clinical trials, including the STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People) trials, sustain trials, pioneer trials, and the STAMPEDE (Surgical Treatment and Medications Potentially Eradicate Diabetes Efficiently) trial, was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of these interventions. The analysis of the clinical trials revealed that semaglutide demonstrated significant weight reduction in participants. However, adverse effects such as gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances, increased pulse rate, and rare cases of thyroid cancer were observed. Long-term effects showed partial weight regain and a return of certain cardiometabolic variables to baseline levels after semaglutide withdrawal. Comparatively, bariatric surgery, as demonstrated in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (LABS) consortium and supported by the STAMPEDE trial, exhibited higher efficacy in weight reduction and the management of obesity-induced complications such as diabetes. The STAMPEDE trial demonstrated that bariatric surgery, specifically Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG), led to a significantly higher percentage of patients achieving desired diabetes treatment targets compared to medical therapy alone. While bariatric surgery showed superior efficacy, it also carried a higher risk of complications. In contrast, semaglutide presented a noninvasive alternative with significant weight reduction and lower incidences of adverse effects. In conclusion, this study highlights that bariatric surgery, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, remains a highly effective intervention for weight loss and management of obesity-induced complications. However, semaglutide represents a valuable noninvasive alternative, offering significant weight reduction and lower risks of adverse effects. The choice between these interventions should be based on individual patient characteristics and a comprehensive assessment of the risk-benefit profile.

Keywords: bariatric surgery; glp-1 agonist; glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist; obesity; overweight; ozempic; semaglutide; sleeve gastrectomy; wegovy; weight loss.