Comparative Efficacy of Metabolic/Bariatric Surgery Versus GLP ‐1 Receptor Agonists: A Network Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Dec 1, 2025Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)

Comparing Weight-Loss Surgery and GLP-1 Drugs for Effectiveness Using Combined Trial Data

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GLP-1 Therapies on OpenScience ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Abstract

MBS achieved a 10.3% greater reduction in total weight loss compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists.

At less than 104 weeks, MBS resulted in significant reductions in body mass index (BMI) by 4.5 kg/m and body weight by 11.7 kg compared to GLP-1 RAs.
MBS also led to a decrease in waist circumference by 12.6 cm and a reduction in HbA1c levels by 0.5%.
At 104 weeks or longer, MBS continued to show significant benefits with a 9.1% greater reduction in total weight loss and a 14.6 kg decrease in body weight compared to GLP-1 RAs.
In participants with type 2 diabetes, MBS was associated with greater reductions in BMI, weight, waist circumference, and total weight loss compared to GLP-1 RAs, while HbA1c improvements were similar.

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OBJECTIVE: This study compared the efficacy of metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), including dual GLP-1/GIP analogues, for weight and metabolic outcomes in adults with obesity.

METHODS: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials compared MBS or GLP-1 RAs versus lifestyle intervention in adults with overweight or obesity. Primary outcomes were percent total weight loss (TWL) and BMI; secondary outcomes included body weight, waist circumference, HbA1c, and systolic blood pressure. Random-effects models used lifestyle intervention as the common comparator; all MBS versus GLP-1 RA comparisons were indirect.

RESULTS: Thirty randomized controlled trials (n = 20,015) were included. At < 104 weeks, MBS achieved greater reductions than GLP-1 RAs in %TWL (ETD -10.3%; p = 0.001), BMI (-4.5 kg/m; p < 0.001), body weight (-11.7 kg; p < 0.001), waist circumference (-12.6 cm; p < 0.001), and HbA1c (-0.5%; p = 0.033). At ≥ 104 weeks, differences remained for %TWL (-9.1%; p = 0.022) and body weight (-14.6 kg; p = 0.049). In tirzepatide-only analyses, differences versus MBS were not significant. Among participants with type 2 diabetes, MBS produced greater reductions in BMI, weight, waist, and %TWL, with similar HbA1c improvement. 2

CONCLUSIONS: Both MBS and GLP-1 RAs provide substantial metabolic benefits. MBS remains superior, but tirzepatide is a promising nonsurgical option supporting personalized obesity care.