Costly Obesity Drugs See High Dropout Rate, Study Finds
rome, Italy – September 17, 2025 – A new study reveals that a significant proportion of patients discontinue use of recently approved, expensive anti-obesity medications within the first year of treatment, raising concerns about long-term efficacy and accessibility. the research indicates that roughly half of individuals prescribed these drugs stop taking them before 12 months, primarily due to prohibitive costs and persistent side effects.
The findings, published today, underscore the challenges of making these potentially life-changing treatments available to the growing number of people affected by obesity. While medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro have demonstrated substantial weight loss results in clinical trials, their high price tags – frequently enough exceeding €1,500 per month – create a substantial barrier for many patients. This interruption in treatment could diminish the drugs’ effectiveness and potentially lead to weight regain, impacting public health initiatives aimed at combating the global obesity epidemic.
The study, conducted by researchers at[InstitutionName-[InstitutionName-[InstitutionName-[InstitutionName-information not provided in source], analyzed data from[Number-[Number-[Number-[Number-information not provided in source]patients prescribed anti-obesity drugs between June 2024 and June 2025. Researchers found that financial constraints were the most frequently cited reason for discontinuation, followed by gastrointestinal issues and other adverse reactions.
“These medications represent a significant advancement in obesity treatment, but their cost is a major obstacle,” stated[ResearcherName-[ResearcherName-[ResearcherName-[ResearcherName-information not provided in source], lead author of the study. “Without addressing affordability and managing side effects, we risk limiting access to those who could benefit most.”
Globesity, or the global obesity epidemic, affects over four million people worldwide, contributing to a range of health problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.The increasing prevalence of obesity places a substantial strain on healthcare systems and economies globally. Further research is planned to explore strategies for reducing the cost of these medications and improving patient support to enhance adherence and maximize long-term outcomes.
