
Ozempic Surge Reduces Bariatric Surgeries, Prompting Debate on Obesity Care
A Loyola University Chicago study using ACS-MBSAQIP data finds U.S. bariatric surgeries fell to about 177,297 in 2024 after peaking at 230,207 in 2022, suggesting GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic/Wegovy may be drawing patients away from surgical options, though surgery typically yields greater long‑term weight loss and lower costs. The shift also coincides with changing procedure mixes (sleeve gastrectomy ~58% in 2024, gastric bypass ~33%), and while GLP-1s are rising in use, economic and access factors (e.g., generics coming later in the U.S.) complicate the landscape. Experts stress that metabolic and bariatric surgery remains a highly effective option and that patients should be informed about all treatments.













