The use of GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide has surged, and the number of weight loss surgeries has decreased by 32%

A new report from Strata Decision Technology shows that the number of weight loss surgeries performed in US hospitals has significantly decreased in recent years. This trend is consistent with the increasing popularity of weight loss drugs such as semaglutide (GLP-1), which have been widely used since their approval for chronic weight management.

Strata's analysis of data from 809 hospitals nationwide shows a significant downward trend in weight loss surgeries. In August 2024, the number of these surgeries decreased by over 32% compared to August 2022. According to a study by JAMA, this decline corresponds to a significant increase in prescriptions for semaglutide, with prescription volumes increasing by over 400% between January 2021 and December 2023.

The reduction in weight loss surgeries has also affected the hospital's profits. The average total cost profit margin of these surgeries has significantly decreased, from $1651.63 per surgery in January 2021 to a negative value of $504.83 in June 2024. This indicates that as the number of profitable surgeries decreases, hospitals are facing financial challenges.

The rise of semaglutide and other weight loss drugs is changing the landscape of weight management. These drugs provide a non-surgical option for people who want to lose weight, which may reduce the need for weight loss surgery. These trends have a significant impact on hospitals and healthcare systems. With the decreasing demand for weight loss surgery and rising labor costs, hospitals need to adjust their strategies to maintain financial stability and meet the constantly changing needs of patients seeking weight management solutions. This may involve: expanding weight management services: providing a comprehensive weight management plan that includes surgical and non-surgical options. Optimize surgical services: Improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of weight loss surgery plans.

The widespread decline in weight loss surgery is consistent with a significant increase in certain medications used to assist patients with chronic weight management, "Strata said

Steve Wasson, Chief Data and Intelligence Officer at Decision Technology, stated. These trends are just one example of the dynamics that affect the clinical and financial situation of hospitals, as these surgeries used to make a positive contribution to hospital profits, but now they consume hospital resources

From the second half of 2022 to the second half of 2023, the use of glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) for treating obesity has more than doubled, while the use of metabolic weight loss surgery has decreased by about 25% during the same period, indicating a significant shift in obesity management strategies.