Analysis Group Researchers Find Bariatric Surgery Rates Declining as GLP-1 Use Rises
May 26, 2026
As the use of GLP-1 medications continues to rise in the US, their effect on rates of metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) as a treatment for obesity and related cardiometabolic conditions remains an important question for patients, providers, and policymakers. Although prior research suggests that MBS utilization may be declining, examinations of national trends during the GLP-1 era have been limited to a period prior to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of tirzepatide.
To quantify the association between GLP-1 use and rates of MBS, researchers, including Analysis Group Managing Principal Stephen Fink, Manager Robert J. Calzaretta, and affiliate Professor Thomas Tsai analyzed IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus with Mortality claims data from more than 11.7 million insured patients. In a research letter published in JAMA Surgery, the authors compare the quarterly rates of GLP-1 prescriptions and MBS utilization among patients with at least one obesity, overweight, or diabetes diagnosis from 2022 through 2024.
The authors find that GLP-1 use increased by more than 140% over the study period, while MBS utilization declined by 34%. Despite the rapid growth in GLP-1 medication use, they report that only about 9.5% of eligible patients received either a GLP-1 prescription or MBS, suggesting that obesity remains substantially undertreated. Their findings underscore the importance of monitoring evolving treatment patterns and ensuring patient access to both pharmacologic and surgical options for obesity care.