A new study suggests that popular weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro don't deliver the same dramatic results in everyday use as they do in clinical trials. The drugs, which contain semaglutide and tirzepatide, have been hailed for helping some trial participants lose up to 20% of their body weight over 72 weeks. But researchers at NYU's Grossman School of Medicine found that in real-world settings, the results are far less striking, per the Guardian.
The study looked at more than 51,000 adults with a BMI of 35 or higher—eligible for both weight loss surgery and medication. Of these, about 38,500 were prescribed one of the weight loss drugs, while another 12,500 underwent bariatric surgery. After adjusting for age, BMI, and health issues, the team found that surgery patients lost much more weight. Two years after treatment, those who had surgery saw an average body weight reduction of 26.5%, compared to just 5.7% for those on the GLP-1 injections. A 2024 study cited by Healthline noted that weight-loss surgery is also much more cost-efficient than the injections over the long haul.
The new study, which hasn't yet been peer-reviewed, will be presented at a major bariatric surgery conference later this year. Lead author Dr. Karan Chhabra said it's unclear why the drugs are less effective outside trials, but factors like cost, side effects, and inconsistent medical follow-up could play a role. He emphasized the need for more real-world data to guide expectations and treatment choices. Professor Naveed Sattar, who wasn't involved in the study, noted that while surgery remains more effective and cost-efficient over the long run, most people still prefer medication as a first option, despite its limitations. (Men's Health, meanwhile, takes a look at a related topic: what to do with all the loose skin that's left hanging after major weight loss.) (This content was created with the help of AI. Read our AI policy.)
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