Adherence
Discontinuation of GLP-1 analogues for obesity is primarily driven by side effects (36%), logistical challenges (24%), and cost (23%), leading to significantly lower long-term weight loss compared to persistent users.
If you are taking a GLP-1 for weight loss, sticking with it is the most important factor for success. Most people stop due to side effects, cost, or logistics, not because the drug doesn't work. To stay on it, work with your doctor to titrate the dose slowly to minimize stomach issues, seek financial assistance if the cost is prohibitive, and use telemedicine to reduce logistical burdens. Persisters lose significantly more weight (nearly 18%) than those who quit early (12.6%).
The primary reasons for discontinuation reported by the inactive patients (n = 83) were side effects (44 patients, 36%), logistical challenges (29 patients, 24%)... medication cost (28 patients, 23%)... When stratified by persistence status, those who stayed on treatment achieved significantly greater weight loss at or before 1 year (17.8% ± 7.2%) than those who discontinued (12.6% ± 8.7%; p = 0.002).
Why this rating
Real-world observational study with retrospective design, potential selection bias, and modest sample size (n=350), but large effect size on persistence.
Source
Why do patients with obesity discontinue glucagon‐like peptide 1 analogues?
Faisal I. Almohaileb et al. · Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism · 2025
DOI 10.1111/dom.16531
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