In recent years, the two most talked-about methods in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes have been obesity surgery (bariatric surgery) and weight loss injections. Many people who want to lose weight wonder, “Which is more effective: surgery or injections?” A newly published long-term study provides clear answers to this question.
What Does The Study Say?
In a study conducted on approximately 4,000 patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes, two groups were examined:
1,657 people who underwent obesity surgery
2,275 people who used weight loss injections
Patients were followed for an average of 6 years, and outcomes close to 10 years were evaluated.
Findings
According to the study results:
Patients using weight loss injections lost an average of 7% of their total body weight.
Patients who underwent obesity surgery achieved weight loss well above this rate and experienced much more pronounced improvements in health problems related to diabetes and obesity.
The findings also revealed striking differences in health outcomes:
| Health Outcome | Effect of Obesity Surgery |
| Risk of Death | 32% lower |
| Major heart problems (heart attack, heart failure, stroke) | 35% lower |
| Severe kidney disease | 47% lower |
| Diabetes-related eye damage (retinopathy) | 54% lower |
As can be seen, obesity surgery not only leads to weight loss but also significantly reduces life-threatening organ damage caused by diabetes.
Which Method Is Superior?
The study results show that although weight loss injections are beneficial, obesity surgery (metabolic surgery) offers much stronger effects in the long term. Surgery provides greater weight loss and better protects vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and eyes.
So, Is It Suitable For Everyone?
The important point here is:
Obesity surgery (metabolic surgery) can offer a permanent solution for patients with severe obesity and diabetes.
Weight loss injections are more of an option for people who do not want surgery and who want to benefit from medication treatment.
Both methods have advantages and risks. The most accurate decision should be made together with a doctor, considering the person’s health status, age, weight, and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Obesity surgery (metabolic surgery): Provides more permanent, stronger, and long-term benefits.
Weight loss injections: Provide an average of 7% weight loss but are more limited in the long term compared to surgery.
If you want to both lose weight and reduce diabetes-related complications, this study shows that obesity surgery (metabolic surgery) is the more advantageous method.
Source
Bariatric News. MBS for weight loss shows greater long-term benefits than GLP-1 medicines. 2025.
