Researchers have reported the first blinded, randomized, sham-controlled evidence that a procedure called duodenal mucosal resurfacing (DMR) may offer a safe and lasting way to maintain weight loss without ongoing medication, according to a study presented at the 2026 American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) annual meeting. The findings suggest it could help patients who stop taking GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic or Wegovy avoid regaining weight.
The study, led by Dr. Suzanne Melemad of NYU Langone Health, involved 50 participants who had lost at least 10% of their body weight on GLP-1 drugs. They were randomly assigned to receive either DMR or a sham procedure. After 24 weeks, those who received DMR maintained an average weight loss of 8.5% from baseline, compared to 2.5% in the sham group, a statistically significant difference (p=0.01). No serious adverse events were reported in the DMR group.
Duodenal mucosal resurfacing is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that uses heat to ablate the lining of the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. This is thought to alter metabolic signaling and improve insulin sensitivity. The procedure is already approved in some countries for type 2 diabetes management, but this is the first sham-controlled trial for weight maintenance after GLP-1 therapy.
Experts caution that the study is small and longer-term data are needed. The results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. However, the findings offer a potential new approach for the growing number of patients who discontinue GLP-1 drugs due to cost, side effects, or supply shortages. Further trials are planned to confirm the results.
