However, it has been found that 50% to 75% of patients stop their treatment within the first year. This concerning phenomenon has drawn the attention of specialists, including cardiologist Dr. Sadiya Khan of Northwestern University, who aims to understand the reasons for these discontinuations and their potential consequences.
Costs and misconceptions about treatment
According to Dr. Khan, a professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, the high cost of these therapies is one of the main barriers to their continuation.
Additionally, some patients view GLP-1 medications as a temporary solution, believing they can stop once they achieve their weight-loss goal. “Unlike treatments for hypertension or cholesterol, these medications are not perceived as essential for managing chronic diseases,” Dr. Khan emphasized.
Furthermore, the use of these treatments for purely cosmetic purposes also contributes to premature discontinuation.
A call for more research and policy adaptation
In an opinion piece published in JAMA Viewpoint, Dr. Khan and her colleagues call for further research to identify the causes of discontinuation and to develop clinical and policy strategies to support long-term use.
GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide, have revolutionized the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Beyond their weight-loss benefits, they have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 20% to 25%, regardless of the weight loss achieved.
Declining interest after stopping treatment
Another factor influencing the decision to stop these medications is the realization that weight may return after treatment ends. A 2023 survey found that 45% of adults were interested in using these drugs for weight management. However, this figure dropped to 14% when they learned about the risk of regaining weight after stopping therapy.
“The exceptionally high discontinuation rates of GLP-1 receptor agonists should alert clinicians, policymakers, and public health experts,” stressed Dr. Khan.
“The newer, more powerful GLP-1 medications have transformed the therapeutic landscape for patients with obesity or diabetes. However, more comprehensive support is needed to ensure their long-term use.”
Source: medicalxpress
