A recent study reveals that nearly two-thirds of individuals aiming to lose weight discontinue the use of popular weight loss and diabetes medications, such as Ozempic or Victoza, within one year.

Approximately 65% of individuals without diabetes stopped using these drugs in less than a year. In contrast, those diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes were more inclined to continue the medication for at least a year. Additionally, patients with higher income and fewer adverse side effects had a better chance of maintaining their use of these expensive medications, as stated in research published on Friday in JAMA Network Open.

Researchers from Truveta, a medical research company based in Bellevue, Washington, partnered with the University of Pennsylvania for this study, and they attribute the high discontinuation rate among non-diabetic patients largely to the cost of the drugs.

While health insurance companies typically cover glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) medications for diabetes, they often do not provide coverage for the same medications when used for weight loss. The list prices for these drugs often exceed $1,000 per month, and insufficient insurance coverage can make it hard for many to afford these treatments, according to the findings.

Based on an examination of computerized medical records, the study found that patients with higher income levels were less likely to quit medication usage.

“We were surprised by the high discontinuation rates,” commented Tricia Rodriguez, a research scientist at Truveta and lead author of the study. “This indicates significant challenges related to insurance and affordability that limit access to these drugs for individuals without Type 2 diabetes.”

Fewer Side Effects and Better Results Lead to Longer Usage

The research assessed data from over 125,000 adults who initiated GLP-1 drugs, such as liraglutide, semaglutide, or tirzepatide, between January 2018 and December 2023. These medications are used for weight loss and diabetes under various brand names.

Novo Nordisk markets semaglutide under the names Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss, while liraglutide is known as Victoza for diabetes and Saxenda for weight loss. Since Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide was not available until 2022 as Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss until 2023, data on this drug was more limited in the study.

The study investigated quit rates for both diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Some individuals ceased using the medications due to side effects. Those experiencing moderate to severe digestive issues were more prone to stop taking the drugs. In extreme cases, some patients have even pursued legal action against the manufacturers, claiming the medications caused lasting harm.

Additionally, the findings indicated that the weight loss results influenced patient adherence. Individuals who experienced significant weight loss were more inclined to continue their medication, while those who regained weight after stopping were more likely to attempt the medication again.

Affordability of Medications Remains a Challenge for Many

Many employers provide limited health insurance coverage for treatments targeting obesity. In some states, like North Carolina, coverage for obesity medications has been eliminated for employees and their families. A recent analysis by KFF, a nonprofit health policy organization, revealed that only 1% of Affordable Care Act marketplace plans included these drugs for obesity last year.

Medicare, which serves adults aged 65 and over, restricts coverage solely to individuals with diabetes or heart conditions.

Last November, the Biden administration introduced a plan to expand obesity drug coverage to over 7 million Medicare and Medicaid participants starting in 2026. However, the Trump administration must finalize the rule and determine the funding for the approximately $40 billion associated costs. Officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have not provided updates on this proposal.

Ezekiel Emanuel, co-director of the Healthcare Transformation Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasized that the potential benefits of these weight loss medications cannot be realized unless individuals can afford and access them.

“This study highlights the real-world challenges patients face when trying to remain on these medications,” Emanuel, who co-authored the study, stated. “It underscores the necessity to address factors such as affordability, insurance coverage, and equitable policies to ensure that these drugs are accessible. Without these efforts, we risk increasing health disparities and denying many individuals the opportunity to improve their health and overall quality of life.”