A comprehensive view of weight loss drugs—courtesy of meandmywellness.com
America has a love-hate relationship with the new weight-loss drugs. Nearly half of adults here say they’d try one of the newer GLP-1 drugs, but the number drops sharply when they find out they might regain the weight after stopping the medication. This trend has medical experts worried, as many users are discontinuing the drugs after only a short time, despite the promise of long-term benefits.
The issue is becoming more noticeable in a country where obesity and overweight rates are rising. A study published in The Lancet shows that in 2021, more than 40% of Americans were either overweight or obese, contributing to higher health risks. This has led to the increasing popularity of drugs like semaglutide, first introduced as Ozempic for diabetes treatment, and later repurposed as Wegovy for weight loss. These drugs are not only helping people lose weight but are also reducing risks related to heart disease and kidney damage.
However, despite the promising results, people are quitting. A poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) in July 2023 found that while 45% of U.S. adults said they were interested in taking a weight-loss drug, only 14% remained interested once they learned that the weight might come back once the medication stops. The drop in interest was especially high when the drug required injections or wasn’t covered by insurance.
Research conducted by KFF in May 2024 also found that public awareness of these drugs has increased over the past year. About 32% of Americans were aware of GLP-1 drugs in 2024, compared to just 19% in 2023. Around 12% of adults had tried these medications, with many using them for conditions like diabetes or heart disease, though a sizable portion (40%) used them primarily for weight loss.
Despite the increased use, many Americans are struggling with the cost. Over half of adults (54%) say they have difficulty affording the drugs, with 22% finding it “very difficult” to pay. Even among those with insurance, 53% said it was still tough to afford. However, a dedicated 12% of Americans are sticking with GLP-1 medications, many of them under medical supervision for serious health conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
A study by the Evernorth Research Institute published in JAMA Network Open looked into why people are stopping the use of these drugs. The study, which tracked data from nearly 200,000 people between 2021 and 2023, found that about 26% of users stopped the medication within three months, and that number increased to 36.5% after a year. The discontinuation rate was especially high among people with obesity, with 50% stopping the medication after 12 months.
Experts like Dr. Sadiya Khan from Northwestern University have raised concerns over these high discontinuation rates. She pointed out that the high costs of the drugs are likely a major barrier, but there are other factors at play as well. Many people don’t see these drugs as long-term treatments, unlike medications for conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol. For some, the drugs are seen more as a quick fix for weight loss rather than a way to manage a chronic condition.
Khan and other experts stress that it’s important to talk about why so many people stop using these drugs, especially given the health benefits they offer, including improved cardiovascular health. With obesity rates projected to affect over 80% of Americans by 2050, the issue of discontinuation is one that needs more attention from health professionals and policymakers.
The conversation about weight-loss drugs is complex. While they offer a solution for many, they are not without challenges. Understanding why people stop taking these medications could be key to ensuring they are used effectively and safely in the long run.
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