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New Research Highlights the Survival Benefits of Bariatric Surgery Over GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has revealed that bariatric metabolic surgery (BMS) offers a greater survival advantage compared to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in adults with obesity and diabetes for up to 10 years. The observed benefit is likely due to more significant weight loss associated with surgery.
The retrospective cohort study analyzed electronic medical records from Clalit Health Services, Israel’s largest healthcare organization. The study included 3035 patients aged 24 years or older who had diabetes and obesity but no prior cardiovascular disease. Researchers aimed to assess the primary outcome of all-cause mortality and the secondary outcome of nonfatal major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
The study involved 3035 matched pairs of patients (totaling 6070 participants; mean age, 51 years; 65% women), with a median follow-up duration of 6.8 years.
Findings indicated that among patients with diabetes for ≤ 10 years, those who underwent BMS had a 62% lower risk of mortality compared to those treated with a GLP-1 RA. Researchers suggested that the greater reduction in body mass index in the surgery group might explain the improved survival outcomes. However, the study found no survival advantage for BMS over GLP-1 RAs in patients with diabetes for more than 10 years, likely due to the negative impact of prolonged diabetes duration on overall health.
These findings underscore the potential role of bariatric surgery as a more effective intervention for long-term survival in select diabetic patients. However, healthcare providers should consider individual patient characteristics, risks, and benefits before recommending surgery over pharmacological treatment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare providers before making any decisions regarding treatment options.
Source: Medscape
