Ten-Year Study Reveals Weight-Loss Surgery Provides Sustained Results, Outperforming Injectable Treatments

New research reveals a groundbreaking finding: weight-loss surgery delivers sustained results far beyond the temporary success of injectable treatments. A ten-year study tracking 300 patients at Assuta Medical Center in Tel Aviv shows that sleeve gastrectomy patients maintain significant weight loss, with average body mass reductions of 25% over a decade. This contrasts sharply with weight-loss jabs, where most patients regain lost weight within months.

The study, published in the Obesity Journal, highlights long-term quality-of-life improvements, with only 6% of participants reporting worse health outcomes post-surgery—primarily due to inadequate weight loss. Researchers emphasize that the procedure not only reduces body mass but also fosters lasting lifestyle changes. The findings come as NHS data reveals a 23% surge in weight-loss surgeries in England, with 7,000 operations recorded in 2025 alone.

During a sleeve gastrectomy, surgeons remove 70–80% of the stomach, leaving a banana-shaped sleeve. Performed laparoscopically through small abdominal incisions, the procedure typically results in 50–70% excess weight loss within two years. However, eligibility for NHS funding requires a BMI over 35 and a life-threatening condition like diabetes or hypertension, with patients proving they've exhausted other weight-loss methods.

Experts caution that risks include blood clots, hernias, and gallstones, with one in 200 procedures resulting in death. Despite these dangers, the study's authors stress that the surgery "reaffirms" its role in promoting healthier behaviors and long-term weight management. As obesity rates climb, this research underscores a critical shift: surgery may now be the most viable path to lasting change for millions struggling with severe weight issues.

Public health officials are urging faster access to surgical options, citing the study's implications for reducing obesity-related illnesses. With injectable treatments failing to deliver durable results, the findings could reshape national guidelines and push healthcare systems to prioritize procedures that offer measurable, life-changing benefits.