Adherence
In real-world commercial insurance populations without diabetes, one-year persistence on GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity treatment is low (32.3%), with significant variation by product, contradicting high persistence rates reported in clinical trials.
If you are using a GLP-1 medication for weight loss, expect that staying on it for a full year is challenging. Real-world data shows only about 1 in 3 people stay on therapy for a year, and this varies by drug. Weekly injections (like semaglutide) tend to have better persistence than daily ones (like liraglutide). Discuss any side effects or supply issues with your doctor immediately rather than stopping abruptly, as discontinuation often leads to weight regain.
Overall, GLP-1 persistence was 46.3% at 180 days and 32.3% at 1 year... The highest and lowest persistence rates at 1 year were observed for semaglutide (Ozempic) at 47.1% and liraglutide (Saxenda) 19.2%, respectively.
Why this rating
Large retrospective cohort study (n=4,066) with robust claims data, though limited by lack of clinical outcome measures (weight/BMI) and potential confounding by shortages.
Source
Real-world persistence and adherence to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists among obese commercially insured adults without diabetes
Patrick P. Gleason et al. · Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy · 2024
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →