Bariatric Procedure Outperforms Semaglutide in Patients With Obesity, Fatty Liver

A recent study was published comparing two treatments for people with obesity and a liver condition called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The two treatments tested were bariatric surgery and a medication called semaglutide.

The findings showed that bariatric surgery led to more weight loss and better improvements in liver health compared to semaglutide. Many obese individuals also have MASLD, and losing weight is the main recommendation for treating it. Both bariatric surgery and semaglutide help people lose weight, but the study aimed to determine which one is more effective for improving liver health.

Dr. Reem Z. Sharaiha, the lead researcher, believes that using a combination of treatments may be the best approach for these patients. Semaglutide and similar medications are a good starting point, but some patients may plateau in their weight loss or want to stop taking the medication. That’s where bariatric surgery and similar procedures come in. On the other hand, patients treated with bariatric surgery may need help maintaining their weight loss, so medication could be beneficial for them.

In conclusion, the study suggests that a combination of treatments may be the future for managing obesity and MASLD, and the most important thing is to start treatment, regardless of the specific method used.

Please note, while our practice does not offer endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), we do offer Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) and Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass (RNYGBP) procedures for qualified candidates who meet the criteria. 

Click here to read the full study. Call 973-410-9700 or contact us online to learn more.