GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Decline in Bariatric Surgery, New Study Finds
A new study found that bariatric surgery rates have dropped as GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro become more widely used. Ozempic also became available in pill form for type 2 diabetes patients in May 2026.
Bariatric surgery rates are falling as GLP-1 medications become more widely used for weight loss, according to a study published in May 2026.
The research, reported by Healthline, found a measurable decline in surgical weight loss procedures as patients and doctors turn to drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. The shift reflects a broader change in how obesity is treated in the United States.
Ozempic became available in pill form for type 2 diabetes patients in May 2026, expanding access for people who prefer oral medication over injections.
A separate study found that survodutide, a new GLP-1 weight loss drug, showed 16% more weight loss than existing options in clinical trials. The drug has not yet received FDA approval.
GLP-1 drugs containing tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, were also found to reduce heart-related health risks for people with serious heart conditions, according to research published in April.
Doctors are watching the long-term effects of these drugs closely. One concern is muscle loss. A study found that Mounjaro may lead to greater lean body mass loss than Ozempic, which could affect metabolism and long-term health outcomes.
Health experts recommend that patients on GLP-1 medications combine treatment with resistance training and adequate protein intake to preserve muscle mass.
The FDA also cleared another at-home cervical cancer screening kit in April, expanding options for women who want to screen for cervical cancer without a clinic visit.
