INNOVATIONS IN OBESITY TREATMENT – GLP – 1 PHARMACOTHERAPY AND BARIATRIC SURGERY

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Abstract
Background: Obesity is a growing global health challenge requiring effective, long - term treatment strategies. This paper focus on two leading innovations: GLP - 1 receptor agonists and bariatric surgery. GLP - 1 - based pharmacotherapy, including agents like semaglutide and tirzepatide, has shown impressive weight loss outcomes by regulating appetite and glucose metabolism. Meanwhile, bariatric procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass remain the most effective interventions for severe obesity, offering sustained weight reduction and improvement of metabolic comorbidities. By comparing the efficiency, safety, and indications of both approaches, this paper show how pharmacological and surgical treatments can work synergistically to improve patient outcomes in obesity management. Aim: The aim of this article is to highlight the challenges involved in treating obesity especially using GLP - 1 receptor agonists and bariatric surgery. Methods: A review of scientific articles published on ResearchGate and PubMed from 2013 to 2025. Results: Both GLP - 1 receptor agonists and metabolic surgery were found to be effective in reducing body weight and improving metabolic health in obese patients. Treatment with GLP - 1 analogs such as liraglutide or semaglutide led to moderate weight loss, typically between 5–15% of initial body weight. These medications also improved blood sugar control and lipid levels. Metabolic surgery, including sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, resulted in greater weight reduction - often 25 - 35%, and more significant improvement in conditions like type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Interestingly, GLP - 1 levels tend to rise after surgery, suggesting that hormonal changes may partly explain the effectiveness of surgical interventions. In summary, both approaches show clear benefits, with surgery providing stronger effects, while GLP - 1 therapy offers a less invasive option. Conclusion: GLP - 1 receptor agonists and metabolic surgery are methods to cure obesity and both of these methods are effective. GLP - 1 therapies offer a non - invasive option with metabolic benefits, while surgery provides greater and more sustained weight loss. The rise in GLP - 1 levels after surgery suggests shared mechanisms. Choosing the right approach should be based on individual patient needs and clinical factors.

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