In 2024, the United States remains the global leader in performing bariatric surgeries, with a steady increase in the number of procedures each year due to the growing prevalence of obesity and its associated complications. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), it is estimated that nearly 280,000 bariatric surgeries were performed in the U.S. in 2022, a figure that continues to rise as the rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes increase among the population​

Factors Driving the Increase

Prevalence of Obesity: With 42.4% of American adults classified as obese, the demand for bariatric surgery has surged significantly. This growth is partly due to the inability of many patients to achieve significant and long-term weight loss through diet and exercise alone​

Advances in Surgical Techniques: Improvements in minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass, have enhanced the safety and effectiveness of these procedures, making bariatric surgery a more appealing option. The long-term success rate in sustainable weight loss is notably high, with patients maintaining between 25% and 31.9% of their body weight loss up to a decade after surgery​

Health Benefits: In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery has proven to be highly effective in improving, and in some cases, reversing health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Diabetes remission is one of the key factors driving the rise in surgeries, as patients see immediate improvements in their glucose control​

Comparison with New Treatments

In 2024, weight loss medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have gained popularity as less invasive alternatives to bariatric surgery. However, studies show that while these medications can lead to significant weight loss, some weight tends to be regained once the treatment is stopped. In contrast, bariatric surgery offers more durable results and deeper improvements in metabolic health, making it the preferred choice for those with severe obesity​