New Study Finds Weight Loss Surgery Delivers 5x Greater Results Than Ozempic and Other GLP-1

PHOENIX - Nov. 11, 2025 - PRLog -- A new multi-year study (https://asmbs.org/news_releases/head-to-head-study-shows-bariatric-surgery-superior-to-glp-1-drugs-for-weight-loss/) by researchers from NYU Langone Health and NYC Health + Hospitals comparing GLP-1 vs bariatric surgery has found that bariatric surgery (https://www.pivotweightloss.com/bariatric-surgery-arizona/) delivers dramatically greater and more durable weight loss than GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. According to the research, patients who underwent surgical procedures such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass achieved up to five times more total weight loss after three years compared to those using medication alone.

GLP-1 vs Bariatric Surgery: What the Research Shows

The large-scale analysis tracked tens of thousands of adults with obesity and compared outcomes between patients who used GLP-1 injections and those who underwent weight loss surgery. Results showed surgical patients lost an average of 24 percent of their total body weight, while patients on medication lost about 5 to 7 percent after one to three years.

Key Findings

• Surgery delivers five times greater weight loss than GLP-1 medications in long-term follow-up.
• Surgical patients maintained weight loss over three years, while many medication users regained weight after stopping treatment.
• Bariatric surgery improved or resolved obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

"GLP-1 medications can be helpful for some patients, but the data continues to show that bariatric surgery produces stronger, longer-lasting results," said Dr. John DeBarros, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer at Pivot Weight Loss (https://www.pivotweightloss.com/).

"Surgery permanently changes the anatomy and metabolism, allowing patients to lose more weight and keep it off while improving overall health."

Beyond the Hype: Long-Term Health Matters
While GLP-1 drugs have become widely known for short-term weight loss, many patients experience plateaus or regain weight once treatment stops. Bariatric surgery (https://www.pivotweightloss.com/bariatric-surgery-arizona/), on the other hand, has decades of evidence supporting its effectiveness in achieving sustainable results and reversing obesity-related conditions.

"For patients who are still debating whether to get weight loss surgery vs. Ozempic, I urge you to get the surgery," added Dr. DeBarros. "You don't want quick fixes. You want durable, safe, and lifelong change."

About Pivot Weight Loss
Pivot Weight Loss is Arizona's leading bariatric surgery center, ranked #1 statewide for patient outcomes and satisfaction. With eight locations across the state, Pivot specializes in minimally invasive weight loss surgery, medical weight management, and lifelong patient support. Pivot partners with major employers and benefit networks to make life-changing care accessible and affordable for patients seeking lasting results.