GLP-1 Drugs Might Enable Extremely Obese to Qualify for Weight-Loss Surgery

On FRIDAY, June 14, 2024, a new study revealed that a novel weight-loss medication could significantly benefit extremely obese patients by enabling them to lose enough weight to qualify for bariatric surgery. The study focused on patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 70 or higher, a group that faces elevated risks of surgical complications compared to those with lower BMIs.

Historically, weight loss before surgery has been recommended to mitigate these risks. However, finding an effective method for substantial pre-surgery weight loss has proven challenging. Researchers are now turning their attention to GLP-1 agonist medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, which have recently shown promise in facilitating rapid weight reduction.

In this study, 113 extremely obese patients were divided into three groups: those receiving a single GLP-1 medication, those on a combination of GLP-1 drugs, and those following a medically supervised diet and exercise regimen. The average treatment duration was 73 days.

Results indicated that patients on multiple GLP-1 medications experienced the most significant weight loss, shedding around 13% of their total body weight. Those on a single GLP-1 drug lost slightly more than 8% of their body weight. In comparison, participants adhering to diet and exercise alone managed to lose about 6% of their body weight.

These findings were shared at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery’s annual meeting held in San Diego. Dr. Phil Schauer, a researcher and the director of the Metamor Metabolic Institute at Pennington Biomedical in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, emphasized the potential impact of combining anti-obesity medications for those with extreme obesity. According to Dr. Schauer, this approach could enable many patients previously deemed "too sick for surgery" to become eligible.

It's noteworthy that obesity affects over 42% of Americans, as highlighted by the researchers. GLP-1 drugs function by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates insulin release, curbs hunger, and slows the rate at which the stomach empties. This mechanism makes these medications particularly effective for weight loss.

Dr. Marina Kurian, president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, stated that more research is necessary to determine the best use of GLP-1 medications before and after metabolic and bariatric surgery in various patient populations. She stressed that obesity should be treated like any other chronic disease, often requiring multiple therapies over time for different reasons. Although Dr. Kurian did not participate in the study, she supports the call for further investigation.

As with any research presented at medical conferences, these findings should be considered preliminary until they are published in a peer-reviewed journal.