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Bariatric Surgery Volume Drops in US Adults
Confirmed
In Short: The study found that bariatric surgery volume among adults increased by roughly 4% annually from 2015 to 2022, but then dropped by more than 11% annually in 2023 and 2024.
According to new research presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the number of metabolic and bariatric surgery procedures in the United States dropped below 200,000 in 2024 for the first time since 2020.
Researchers from Loyola University in Chicago analyzed the American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (ACS-MBSAQIP) database, which includes outcomes from all MBSAQIP-accredited bariatric centers.
The study found that bariatric surgery volume among adults increased by roughly 4% annually from 2015 to 2022, but then dropped by more than 11% annually in 2023 and 2024.
The decline in adult surgeries is attributed to several factors, including the expanding availability and use of GLP-1-based and dual-incretin therapies, changes in insurance coverage and prior-authorization requirements, hospital and surgical capacity, workforce and referral patterns, economic conditions, and out-of-pocket costs.
Additionally, the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in MBSAQIP participation may have contributed to the decrease.
Between 2020 and 2024, sleeve gastrectomy, the most common procedure, fell from 64% of all surgeries to 58%, while conversions (revisions or modifications of prior surgeries) rose from about 9% to 11%.
What this adds
The registry only captured surgeries from participating accredited centers, not every bariatric procedure performed nationwide.
What's confirmed
- According to new research presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the number of metabolic and bariatric surgery procedures in the United States dropped below 200,000 in 2024 for the first time since 2020.
- Researchers from Loyola University in Chicago analyzed the American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (ACS-MBSAQIP) database, which includes outcomes from all MBSAQIP-accredited bariatric centers.
- The study found that bariatric surgery volume among adults increased by roughly 4% annually from 2015 to 2022, but then dropped by more than 11% annually in 2023 and 2024.
- The decline in adult surgeries is attributed to several factors, including the expanding availability and use of GLP-1-based and dual-incretin therapies, changes in insurance coverage and prior-authorization requirements, hospital and surgical capacity, workforce and referral patterns, economic conditions, and out-of-pocket costs.
- Additionally, the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in MBSAQIP participation may have contributed to the decrease.
- Between 2020 and 2024, sleeve gastrectomy, the most common procedure, fell from 64% of all surgeries to 58%, while conversions (revisions or modifications of prior surgeries) rose from about 9% to 11%.
What's still developing
- The registry only captured surgeries from participating accredited centers, not every bariatric procedure performed nationwide.
- "GLP-1s are starting a conversation in doctors' offices that really wasn't happening as much as it should have been," said Richard M.
- Peterson, MD, MPH, FASMBS, President, ASMBS and Professor of Surgery at UT Health San Antonio, who was not involved in the study.
- Metabolic and bariatric or weight-loss surgery, such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, have been shown to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for severe obesity.
- "The high demand for these drugs and greater attention on the dangers of obesity has created an unprecedented opportunity to educate and engage patients on all proven treatments, not just medications, which is essential to effectively treating this chronic disease."