07 May DDW25: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists May Result in Better Liver Outcomes than Bariatric Surgery in Obese Patients
Dr. Gernhard
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Katilyn Gernhard DO
Internal Medicine Resident
Allegheny Health Network Pittsburgh
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: The background for this study is the steadily rising prevalence of obesity in the United States, which has been accompanied by an increase in related comorbid conditions, including Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). Bariatric surgery and GLP-1 receptor agonists are two commonly used treatment options to address obesity and its associated complications.
While both have demonstrated benefits in weight loss and metabolic improvement, there has been limited direct comparison of their effectiveness specifically in patients with MASLD. Our study aimed to address this gap by comparing clinical outcomes in patients with MASLD treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists versus those treated with bariatric surgery.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: Our main findings showed that patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists had lower rates of major adverse liver outcomes (MALO) and all-cause mortality compared to those who underwent bariatric surgery.
Have the numbers of bariatric surgery decreased?
The rates of bariatric surgery have steadily increased over time, reflecting the increasing prevalence of obesity. A cross-sectional analysis from 2006 to 2015 demonstrated a 62.3% increase in bariatric surgery rates, rising from 43.5 to 70.6 procedures per 100,000 people. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the number of procedures rose from approximately 228,000 in 2017 to 252,000 in 2018. The number of bariatric surgeries further increased to 280,000 by 2022.
Although bariatric surgery has become more common, there has also been a sharp rise in first-time prescriptions for GLP-1 receptor agonists as a weight loss treatment. Studies have shown that the number of patients initiating GLP-1RAs for weight loss increased by nearly 700% from 2019 to 2023.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: The takeaway points from our study are that GLP-1 receptor agonists seem to be a beneficial option for weight loss and management of MASLD. They may be a great alternative to bariatric surgery for patients with MASLD, especially for patients who have contraindications for surgery or who would prefer medical management.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?
Response: Recommendations for future research would be to conduct randomized controlled trials assessing clinical outcomes in patients with MASLD treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists versus bariatric surgery. Post-hoc analysis will help us with evaluating longitudinal outcomes from these interventions.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?
Response: I would like to note that this study was selected for oral presentation at DDW and included in DDW’s press program, highlighting its relevance and significance in today’s clinical environment. There are no financial disclosures or conflicts of interest.
Citation: Addressing the growing epidemic of obesity: Bariatric surgery or GLP-1 agonist in patients with MASLD? A retrospective cohort analysis over a 6-year period
DDW25
More information:
Havranek, B., Loh, R., Torre, B. et al. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists improve metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease outcomes. Sci Rep 15, 4947 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89408-z
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Last Updated on May 7, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD
