The GLP-1 Dilemma: Why Many Quit Weight Loss and Diabetes Drugs Such As Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjarro Within a Year

Published on February 15 , 2025 | 4 Minutes to Read

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The GLP-1 Dilemma

Why Many Quit Weight Loss and Diabetes Drugs Such As Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjarro Within a Year?

A growing number of people are turning to GLP-1 medications for weight loss and diabetes management, but research shows that most discontinue these drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjarro within a year. While these medications, including semaglutide (found in Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (found in Mounjaro and Zepbound), have gained widespread popularity, factors like cost, side effects, and effectiveness play a crucial role in whether patients stick with them long-term.

High dropout rate: Who stays and who quits?

According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, around 65% of patients using GLP-1s for weight loss (without Type 2 diabetes) stopped within a year. Meanwhile, 46% of those with Type 2 diabetes discontinued their use in the same period. Looking at a longer timeframe, about 84% of non-diabetic users and 64% of diabetic users quit the drugs within two years.

Why do so many people abandon these medications? The study highlights two key reasons: cost and side effects. These drugs cost approximately $1,000 per month before insurance coverage and rebates, making them inaccessible for many. Additionally, GLP-1s are known to cause moderate to severe gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and vomiting, which can be difficult to tolerate.

Income and side effects: Key factors in medication adherence

The study found that individuals with fewer side effects were more likely to continue taking GLP-1s, aligning with previous research on medication adherence. Moreover, income played a role, especially among those with Type 2 diabetes—patients earning higher incomes were progressively less likely to discontinue the medication. Researchers observed a trend among different income brackets, from those making under $30,000 annually to those earning over $80,000.

Weight loss success leads to longer use

Beyond financial and physical tolerance factors, the study found that results matter. Patients who lost more weight were more likely to remain on the medication, while those who regained weight after stopping were more inclined to restart treatment. However, while this pattern indicates that GLP-1s can be effective for weight loss in the short term, it also raises concerns about their sustainability as a long-term solution. Many patients find themselves caught in a cycle of stopping and restarting, suggesting that these medications may not provide lasting results without continued use.

“The associations between weight loss and discontinuation and between weight regain and reinitiation suggest that weight management is an important factor regardless of Type 2 diabetes status,” the study authors noted. However, long-term reliance on medication rather than sustainable lifestyle changes may not be the most effective approach for many individuals.

The future of GLP-1RA medications

The findings are based on electronic health records from more than 125,000 adults who started GLP-1RA treatments between 2018 and 2023. However, despite their initial popularity, the high dropout rates, cost barriers, and significant side effects suggest that these medications may not be a sustainable long-term solution for many patients.

While companies like Noom have pivoted towards offering GLP-1RA medications, the challenges associated with these drugs cannot be overlooked. Many users struggle with affordability, insurance coverage remains inconsistent, and the side effects can be intolerable for some. As a result, alternative weight management solutions, including lifestyle interventions, behavioral therapy, and emerging non-pharmaceutical treatments, may prove to be more viable and sustainable choices in the long run.

One such alternative that has proven to be both scientific and sustainable is bariatric surgery. Unlike GLP-1RA medications, which require continuous use to maintain weight loss, bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy offer long-term metabolic benefits and permanent changes to the digestive system. Studies have shown that bariatric surgery leads to more significant and sustained weight loss compared to medication alone, while also improving or even resolving conditions like Type 2 diabetes. Given its effectiveness, lower long-term costs, and the reduced need for lifelong medication dependence, bariatric surgery may present a better option for those struggling with obesity and metabolic disorders.

Read more:

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/04/healthy-returns-why-people-quit-weight-loss-diabetes-drugs.html

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2829779

https://www.perthsurgicalbariatrics.com.au/bariatric-surgery-proves-more-cost-effective-than-standalone-glp-1-ra-therapy/

https://www.perthsurgicalbariatrics.com.au/the-truth-about-glp-1ras-why-theyre-not-the-long-term-solution-to-weight-loss/

https://www.perthsurgicalbariatrics.com.au/the-hidden-pitfalls-of-glp-1-ras-costs-risks-and-limited-effectiveness/