A study from NYU Langone Health and NYC Health + Hospitals compared bariatric surgery with GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes.[1] Patients after bariatric surgery, such as sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, lost an average of 58 pounds (24% of total weight) after two years.[1] Conversely, patients on GLP-1 drugs for at least six months lost an average of 12 pounds (4.7%).[1] With continuous GLP-1 treatment for a whole year, patients achieved a 7% weight loss, which is significantly less than after surgery.[1] Clinical trials show a decrease of 15-21% with GLP-1, but in real practice it is lower, with up to 70% of patients stopping treatment after a year.[1] The study included 51,085 patients after adjusting for age, BMI, and comorbidities.[1] Bariatric surgery is more effective and durable in weight loss and diabetes control across income levels.[1]