GLP-1 medications have dominated the weight-loss landscape this year – but some older Americans are reportedly kicking the trend to the curb.
A study published in JAMA in January 2025 – which looked at more than 125,000 overweight or obese people – found that nearly 47% of those with type 2 diabetes and 65% of those without diabetes stopped taking their prescribed GLP-1s within a year of starting them.
Dr. John Batsis,a geriatrician and obesity specialist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine,told The New York Times in a recent report that people over 65 years old are “prime targets” for this medication,as obesity prevalence is about 40% in older adults.
Thes drugs, which mimic a natural gut hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), are primarily used for type 2 diabetes and weight management.However, they have also been tested to target a variety of other conditions, like sleep apnea and cardiovascular events.
Why Seniors Stop Taking Ozempic and Wegovy: Cost and Side Effects Are Major Barriers
Table of Contents
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have gained meaningful attention for their effectiveness in weight loss and managing Type 2 diabetes.However, a growing number of seniors are discontinuing these treatments due to two primary obstacles: high costs and unpleasant side effects.
No. 1: cost
For many seniors on fixed incomes, the price of GLP-1 medications is prohibitive. One woman, identified as Bucklew, experienced positive results with the drug, losing 25 pounds and reporting increased energy levels. However, her insurance company dropped coverage, leaving her facing a monthly cost exceeding $1,000 out-of-pocket. This forced her to stop treatment.
While some manufacturers are taking steps to improve accessibility – such as Lilly’s announcement in December 2023 to lower the price of Zepbound – cost remains a significant hurdle. “Far too many people who need obesity treatments still face cost and coverage barriers,” stated Ilya Yuffa, executive vice president and president for Lilly USA. The company pledged to continue working on solutions to expand access.
No. 2: Side effects
Dr. Sue Decotiis, a medical weight loss doctor in New york City, told Fox News Digital that over half of her senior patients discontinue GLP-1 medications due to cost or side effects.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These gastrointestinal issues can be notably challenging for seniors, possibly leading to dehydration and other health complications. the discomfort and disruption to daily life often outweigh the benefits for some patients, leading them to stop the medication.
Personalized Care Could Help More Patients Stay on GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs
Many individuals discontinue GLP-1 receptor agonists – a popular class of drugs for weight loss and diabetes management – but a healthcare professional suggests that tailored treatment plans could significantly improve patient adherence and outcomes. Rather than stopping treatment, many patients could benefit from customized dosing and ongoing support to manage side effects and maximize the drugs’ effectiveness.
The Challenge of GLP-1 discontinuation
GLP-1 drugs, like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), have gained widespread attention for their ability to promote weight loss. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/approved-drugs/ozempic-semaglutide-injection-1-mg-05-mg However, side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common, leading some patients to stop taking the medication.
“Many of the patients who quit their GLP-1 drugs could have stayed on them with the right personalized care,” says a healthcare professional in a recent report. This highlights a critical gap in current treatment approaches.
The Benefits of Customized Dosing
A one-size-fits-all approach to GLP-1 therapy isn’t always effective.Individual responses to these medications vary considerably.
“Frequently enough, using a customized dosing plan helps the patient avoid undue side effects and helps them burn more fat, which is the mechanism by which GLP drugs work long-term and systemically,” the healthcare professional explained.
Compounded GLP-1 medications, prepared by specialized pharmacies, can offer tailored dosing options not readily available with commercially manufactured products. https://www.compoundingrxusa.com/glp-1-weight-loss-compounding/ This allows healthcare providers to adjust the dosage to minimize side effects while optimizing fat burning and weight loss. However,it’s importent to note that the FDA does not regulate compounded drugs to the same extent as commercially manufactured drugs,so patients should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-about-compounded-drugs
Beyond Dosing: The Importance of Extensive Care
Personalized care extends beyond just adjusting the dosage. It encompasses:
* Regular Monitoring: Frequent check-ins with a healthcare provider to assess side effects, track progress, and make adjustments as needed.
* Lifestyle Support: Guidance on diet and exercise to complement the medication’s effects. GLP-1 drugs are most effective when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
* Addressing Underlying Issues: Identifying and addressing any underlying medical conditions or psychological factors that may contribute to weight gain or treatment adherence.
* Education: Providing patients with a thorough understanding of the medication, its potential side effects, and how to manage them.
Key takeaways
* Many patients discontinue GLP-1 medications due to side effects.
* Customized dosing plans, potentially through compounded medications, can definitely help minimize side effects and improve efficacy.
* Comprehensive, personalized care – including regular monitoring, lifestyle support, and education – is crucial for maximizing treatment success and patient adherence.
Looking Ahead: As the demand for GLP-1 medications continues to grow, a shift towards more personalized treatment approaches will be essential to ensure that more patients can safely and effectively benefit from these powerful drugs. Further research is needed to identify the optimal strategies for tailoring GLP-1 therapy to individual patient needs.
Author: Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
Related reading