Here’s a point I hadn’t thought of (until now): the success of GLP-1 receptor agonists has profoundly affected the weight loss industry in a negative way. The business revenues of Nutri-System, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, and Optifast, among others, most certainly have been greatly affected by the rapidly increasing use of GLP-1’s. Advocates of low fat, low carb, vegan, keto, or Mediterranean diets have undoubtedly noticed a decline in interest in their programs which require a greater time commitment than giving yourself a shot once a week.
Then there’s the whole bariatric surgery business. Have GLP-1’s had much of an impact on the frequency at which weight loss surgery is done? Yes, they have. Two statistics I found that refer to the reduction in bariatric procedures since the introduction of GLP-1’s. They are:
Johns Hopkins University stats show an 8.7% reduction in bariatric surgeries
Johns Hopkins also reports 1 in 7 (14%) patients are turning to GLP-1’s instead of surgery
While bariatric surgery is done mostly on the morbidly obese patient, GLP-1’s are used preoperatively to prepare patients for surgery, and they are also used postoperatively to assist with a more rapid weight loss. I suspect that the impact of GLP-1’s on bariatric surgery has not yet been fully realized.
Another factor is the continued evolution of GLP-1’s, and the introduction of other drugs of a different class who work as well or better. A second generation GLP-1, retatrutide, touts a greater than 25% weight loss. It is expected to be approved soon. That will impact the bariatric surgery stats.
The diet/weight loss industry has a lot of naysayers who make assertions about GLP-1’s in an effort to discredit them and save their own business. Comments like they are “made from lizard venom,” they are very costly exaggerating the price, they’re a passing craze, we don’t know all the long term affects, they have dangerous side effects, and you’ll gain weight if you don’t stay on them are some. Some of these allegations are true, but not enough of them to discourage physicians from prescribing a GLP-1, and patients from experiencing a 50-80lb weight loss.
We’ll probably always have weight loss programs and products unless the evolution of GLP-1’s improves efficacy to where they become miracle drugs. If more acceptable oral formulations become available, their market share will continue to grow.
References: Freedhoff Y. The Bell Tolls for the Diet Era Medscape 2026 March 23.
www.150.jhu.edu/article/one-in-seven-bariatric-surgery-patients-turn-to-new-weight-loss-drugs.
