- Over 64% of people without diabetes and nearly 47% of those with diabetes stopped GLP-1 therapy within a year.
- Less than half of those who discontinued restarted the medication within a year with weight regain being a key reason for reinitiation.
- Cost, gastrointestinal side effects and access difficulties may explain why so many patients stop treatment.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open has found that a significant number of adults prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for weight loss stop taking them within the first year.
The research which analysed data from over 125,000 adults in the US found that people without type 2 diabetes were more likely to discontinue treatment and less likely to restart it.
GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), liraglutide, and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have gained widespread popularity for their effectiveness in helping people lose weight and manage blood sugar levels.
However, these medications require continuous use to maintain their benefits making high discontinuation rates a significant concern.
Researchers examined data from adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who started GLP-1 therapy between 2018 and 2023.
- Stricter rules for online pharmacies selling weight loss jabs
- Weight loss jabs associated with good cognition but poor kidney function
- UK medical regulator accused of hiding dangerous side effects of weight loss jabs
Patients were tracked for two years to monitor discontinuation rates and an additional two years to assess how many restarted treatment.
Discontinuation was defined as going 60 days without the medication while reinitiation was recorded when a patient refilled a GLP-1 prescription after stopping.
The study found that GLP-1 discontinuation was common – particularly among people without diabetes:
- Within one year, 64.8% of non-diabetic patients and 46.5% of those with type 2 diabetes stopped taking GLP-1 therapy.
- By two years, 84.4% of non-diabetic and 64.1% of diabetic patients had discontinued treatment.
- The most common reason for stopping was gastrointestinal side effects – nausea and vomiting.
Among the 41,792 patients who had a recorded weight measurement at the time of discontinuation – many who regained weight restarted therapy:
- 47.3% of diabetic patients and 36.3% of non-diabetic patients restarted within one year.
- For every 1% increase in weight the likelihood of restarting treatment increased by 2.3% for diabetics and 2.8% for non-diabetics.
- Older adults (65+ years) were less likely to restart compared to younger patients.
For people considering GLP-1 therapy for weight management, these findings highlight the importance of understanding the long-term commitment needed to maintain results.
While these medications can help with weight loss, stopping them often leads to weight regain which in turn increases the likelihood of restarting therapy.
The study suggests that patients who achieve weight loss are more likely to continue treatment whereas those who discontinue and regain weight may struggle to restart.
However, even among those who regained weight, less than half actually restarted the medication.
For those considering GLP-1 therapy, discussing potential challenges, side effects and long-term plans with a healthcare professional can help ensure the best outcomes.
For more details, you can read the full study.
