- Nearly 60% of people on weight loss drugs stop them early, according to a new report.
- There are a few reasons why people stop using these medications.
- Doctors say weight regain is likely when someone stops using the drugs.
Weight loss drugs have exploded in popularity over the last year, with people scrambling to get their hands on them, which in turn caused shortages around the world.
But despite the huge demand for these medications, a new report analysing US health insurance claims from about 170,000 people finds that the majority of people on these drugs don’t stay on them for long. The report, which was conducted by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, found that nearly 60% of Americans on GLP-1 agonists (which is a class of medications that Ozempic is a part of) stop taking them within 12 weeks.
The data also shows that more than 30% of these patients stop taking the drugs before four weeks.
Ozempic is primarily a diabetes drug and not approved for use as a weight loss drug in Australia, according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Use of Ozempic for weight loss in Australia is considered “off label”, says at University of Sydney experts. But it's use for weight loss is well known thanks to celebrities and social media influencers here and overseas.
So why are so many people stopping these medications early and what is the concern with that? Weight loss experts explain.
Why do people stop these medications early?
As with all medications, everyone can have a different experience while taking weight loss drugs. Here’s what doctors say are the biggest reasons they’ve had patients stop using GLP-1 agonists early.
They’ve already seen results
Semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists can go to work fast, helping users to drop weight quickly. In fact, Ozempic can lead to an average weight loss of 6% to 11% of a person’s body weight within months. But some people lose more weight even faster.
“Users of these weight loss medications typically stop taking them because they see results,” says gastroenterologist Dr Steven Batash. Meaning, people may hit their goal weight and decide to stop taking the medications as a result.
They’re having side effects
Side effects can vary slightly depending on the medication you take, but the most common ones are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
There is also a risk of serious side effects like inflammation of the pancreas, changes in vision, kidney failure, gallbladder issues and serious allergic reactions. Some patients also claim that these medications can lead to a serious condition known as gastroparesis, aka stomach paralysis.
“Some people are more sensitive to side effects than others,” says obesity specialist Dr Dina Peralta-Reich. But Dr Peralta-Reich says that patients can minimise the risk of side effects by getting information from their doctors in advance about how to prevent these symptoms.
She says nausea, headaches, and constipation are the most common side effects that cause people to stop taking these drugs. “Most of them are caused by dehydration,” she says.
They’re too expensive
A month's supply of Ozempic with a private prescription generally costs between $130-$200 in Australia, reports the ABC. If you're using it for weight loss, you can't access it on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which makes it more affordable.
In the US it is much more expensive. American bariatric surgeon Dr Michael Russo says that cost is the most common reason he hears from patients who stop their weight loss drugs early.
The medications can be hard to find
The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration reports that "Ozempic supply will remain limited for the rest of 2024". Because of this, people who want to take the drugs may have trouble getting their hands on them, and continuing to take them.
Compounding pharmacies are now banned from making the drug themselves, too.
What happens if you stop taking weight loss medications early?
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association report says that patients on GLP-1 agonists should finish at least 12 weeks of these medications “to be able to achieve clinically meaningful weight loss that will positively impact their health,” but doctors say it’s often best to take them for longer periods of time.
Many people who stop weight loss medications early “don’t consider what may happen next,” Dr Batash says. There are no significant withdrawal symptoms or major rebound effects, but weight gain is likely, he says.
That’s especially true if you didn’t change your dietary or exercise habits while you were on the medication, Dr Peralta-Reich says. “If you do this correctly and you use the time you’re on the medication to modify lifestyle habits, you will eventually be able to maintain the weight on your own,” she says.
But “some people may experience a return of increased appetite over time, resulting in weight gain,” Dr Batash says. “These medications have proven to be a potent tool in treating obesity, provided they continue taking the medication,” he adds.
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