The Role of Bariatric Surgery in the Era of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Author Department
Surgery
Document Type
Article, Peer-reviewed
Publication Date
12-2025
Abstract
Obesity continues to be a significant public health issue resulting in morbidity, premature mortality, and substantial costs to the healthcare system. Effective treatments for obesity and its associated co-morbidities exist. Bariatric surgery has been well studied and shown to be safe and effective. Glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are relatively newer but have also been shown to result in substantial weight loss. We reviewed the current literature on both bariatric surgery and GLP-1 RAs and will present the pros and cons of each as well as a discussion of the roles they play in treating obesity. Our goal was to provide a comprehensive reference that can be used by all providers treating obesity to have educated discussions about the current state of treatment options with their patients.
Keywords: Bariatric Surgery; GLP-1 Receptor Agonists; Obesity.
Recommended Citation
Koeller E, Romanelli J. The Role of Bariatric Surgery in the Era of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. R I Med J (2013). 2025 Dec 1;108(12):24-28.
PMID
41284403