Will New Obesity Drugs Make Bariatric Surgery Obsolete? (MDedge)

At the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting, Louis J. Aronne, MD, argued that obesity medications could make bariatric surgery obsolete, thanks to drugs that treat multiple metabolic conditions. Francesco Rubino, MD, countered, suggesting “metabolic” surgery will continue to play a key role, especially for long-term management of obesity and related conditions. Aronne believes future treatments will address obesity earlier, while Rubino sees surgery remaining important for certain patients. Both agree obesity management is evolving rapidly.