Weight Loss Drug Adherence Plummets: Half of Users Stop Treatment Within a Year, Study Finds
VIENNA, Austria – A new analysis reveals a critically important challenge to the long-term success of popular weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy: roughly half of individuals prescribed thes drugs discontinue use within the first year. The findings, presented this week at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Vienna, highlight concerns about accessibility, side effects, and the need for sustained patient support.
The study, conducted by Danish researchers, analyzed data from over 77,000 individuals taking obesity medication without a diagnosis of diabetes. Results showed a concerning pattern of discontinuation: 18% stopped treatment within three months, 31% within six months, and 42% after nine months, ultimately reaching a 52% abandonment rate after 12 months.
These medications, belonging to the Glucagon Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class, work by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite, aiding in weight loss. However, researchers emphasize that thier effectiveness hinges on continued use.
“This level of abandonment is worrying as these drugs are not supposed to be a rapid and temporary solution,” stated Reimar W. Thomsen, professor of epidemiology of metabolic diseases at the University of Aarhus, denmark, and one of the study’s authors. “To be effective, they must be taken in the long term.All beneficial effects on appetite control are lost if the medication is stopped.”
The analysis identified several factors associated with higher rates of discontinuation. Individuals who were younger, male, poorer, or had pre-existing chronic health conditions were more likely to stop taking the medication. Those with a history of gastrointestinal or psychiatric drug use – potentially due to experiencing unpleasant side effects like nausea or vomiting – also showed increased rates of abandonment. Specifically, adults under 30 were 48% more likely to discontinue treatment within the first year compared to those aged 45-59, and individuals in lower-income areas were 14% more likely to stop than those in wealthier areas.
Researchers suggest the price of these drugs may be a significant barrier to access. In Denmark, a month’s supply of Ozempic can cost up to 313 euros, compared to approximately 120 euros in neighboring Germany, and is often not covered by goverment reimbursement unless the patient has type 2 diabetes.
Thomsen emphasized the importance of supporting patients who could benefit from these medications, citing evidence that they can reduce the risk of serious health problems including heart disease, addiction, and even cancer.
“With more than half of adults in Europe living with overweight or obesity, it is essential to understand who can benefit the most from interventions encouraging adherence to improve treatment use and health results and the quality of life that arise,” Thomsen explained.
The study’s findings, which have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to improve medication adherence and address the systemic challenges hindering access to these potentially life-changing treatments.
