The number of weight-loss surgeries in the United States is decreasing rapidly in the face of cutting-edge medicines like Ozempic and Zepbound, a latest study mentions.
The number of weight-loss surgery procedures dropped by more than 20% between 2022 and 2024, falling below 20,000 for the first time this decade, researchers at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery reported in a press release published on May 5, 2026.
For the study, researchers analyzed data from the American College of Surgeons, which tracks procedures and outcomes at all accredited bariatric surgery centers. The data ran from 2020 to 2024. A little more than 177,000 weight-loss procedures took place in 2024, experts noticed, representing a sharp 23% decline from a peak of more than 230,000 surgeries in 2020 and 2024.
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Furthermore, trends were observed for types of surgeries carried out between the years 2020 to 2024:
- Sleeve gastrectomy, which had been the most commonly performed operation, dropped from 64% of all surgeries to 58%.
- Gastric bypass operations increased from 28% to 33%, representing their largest share in five years.
- Revision or modification surgeries climbed from 9% to 11%.
Fewer than 1% of eligible people now get weight-loss surgery in any given year, according to experts at the University of Rochester.
For more interesting news and updates on diet and weight management, and on how certain medications help reduce the need for weight-loss surgeries, follow Medipedia. We help you stay up to date on the latest news and developments in health, medication, and treatment practices.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment.