Lower Risk of Psychiatric Disorders Following Weight-Loss Surgery Compared to GLP-1 Therapy

Recent research indicates that individuals undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery are significantly less likely to develop psychiatric conditions over a five-year period than those receiving GLP-1 receptor agonist medications such as semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide. A comparative study presented at the ASMBS 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting revealed that surgical patients experienced a 54% reduction in cognitive deficits and approximately 18% and 17% decreases in anxiety and substance use disorders, respectively, compared to pharmacotherapy recipients.

This study, conducted through a retrospective analysis utilizing the TriNetX database, matched 33,600 patients who underwent surgery with an equal number of patients on GLP-1 medications, controlling for demographic and clinical factors. The follow-up duration extended up to five years, during which mental health outcomes were monitored.

Dr. Shauna Levy, the study’s co-author, emphasized that "metabolic and bariatric surgery offers strong protective effects against common mental health disorders when compared directly with GLP-1 treatments." Moreover, experts like Dr. Ann M. Rogers highlighted the importance of integrating psychiatric screening and mental health support into obesity treatment programs to improve long-term outcomes.

While the mechanisms behind the differing psychological impacts of these treatments remain under investigation, the findings underscore the need for proactive mental health management regardless of the chosen therapy. Patients and healthcare providers should remain vigilant in monitoring mood, cognition, and substance use following any obesity intervention.

The study analyzed data from the TriNetX database, involving matched groups of patients who had undergone surgical procedures or were on GLP-1 agonist therapy. The results suggest that surgical intervention may confer additional mental health benefits, challenging previous assumptions or fears about the psychological risks associated with such surgery. Overall, maintaining good mental health is critical for overall well-being, and these findings support a comprehensive approach to obesity management that incorporates mental health care.