Meta-analysis finds postoperative GLP-1 timing beats preoperative use after bariatric surgery

The wire

1. 01Across 27 studies, preoperative GLP-1 use improved presurgical weight loss (SMD 0.52) but was associated with 2.85 percentage points less total body weight loss at 12 months measured from weight at surgery.
2. 02Initiation around six months after surgery produced an additional 7.48 kg of weight loss versus controls, giving surgeons and prescribers a timing framework for perioperative incretin use.
3. 03Searches ran to June 20, 2026, and only 13 of 27 studies entered the efficacy meta-analyses; heterogeneity and differing baseline definitions limit how firmly timing conclusions can be drawn.

From the source

[Efficacy and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists combined with bariatric surgery for obesity: a timing-stratified systematic review]

Zhonghua wei chang wai ke za zhi = Chinese journal of gastrointestinal surgery · 2026 Oct 25 · He MC, Hua R, Shao YK et al.