According to a new study from Mayo Clinic, both bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications used for weight management improve cardiovascular health. However, surgical intervention is associated with a significantly more effective reduction in long-term risks.<\/p>\n
The study, published in Annals of Surgery<\/i>, directly compares the two leading methods of obesity treatment. The study involved 812 overweight adults, of whom 579 underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery, while 233 received GLP-1 drugs.<\/p>\n
The results showed that after surgical intervention, patients’ lifetime risk of developing cardiovascular disease decreased by 8.6%<\/b>, whereas for medical treatment, this figure was only 1.7%<\/b>.<\/p>\n
A significant difference was also recorded in terms of weight loss. Post-surgery, patients lost an average of 28%<\/b> of their body mass, compared to approximately 11%<\/b> in the medication group.<\/p>\n
According to Mayo Clinic researcher Wissam Ghusn, both methods are effective, but surgery yields better long-term results as it leads to more substantial and stable weight loss.<\/p>\n
Obesity is a major cause of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Doctors state that obesity treatment should be viewed as a strategy for reducing cardiovascular risks rather than just a weight-loss process.<\/p>\n
Scientists emphasize that these approaches should not be seen as competitors. Both methods play an important role, and choosing the best option depends on the patient’s individual medical needs.<\/p>\n
The authors note that the study results will help physicians consider surgery as a primary choice for some patients rather than a last resort. However, additional, longer-term observation is needed to evaluate the final clinical picture.<\/p>\n