UPDATE: A groundbreaking study has unveiled that a staggering 50% of patients using the weight-loss drug semaglutide without diabetes discontinue treatment within just one year. This alarming trend was revealed in research presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting, taking place in Vienna from September 15-19, 2023.
The study analyzed data from 77,310 individuals, highlighting that many users are stopping treatment earlier than expected. Among those who initiated treatment since its launch in Denmark on December 1, 2022, the data shows that 18% stopped within three months, 31% after six months, and 42% after nine months.
According to Reimar W. Thomsen, the study’s lead author and epidemiologist at Aarhus University, this level of discontinuation is concerning. “These medications aren’t meant to be a temporary quick fix,” he stated. “For them to work effectively, they need to be taken long term.”
Semaglutide, a member of the GLP-1 receptor agonists family, was initially developed for diabetes management but has shown significant effectiveness in weight loss. The drug reduces appetite and increases feelings of fullness, yet the study reveals a troubling trend: many users who could benefit from long-term use are dropping out.
The findings indicate that young adults aged 18-29 are 48% more likely to discontinue treatment than those aged 45-59. Moreover, individuals in lower-income areas are 14% more likely to stop using semaglutide than their higher-income counterparts. These disparities raise critical questions about access to treatment amidst growing obesity rates.
Patients with a history of gastrointestinal issues are also 9% more prone to stop using the medication due to common side effects like nausea and vomiting. Additionally, those with a psychiatric medication history show a 12% higher likelihood of discontinuation, and men are 12% more likely than women to stop treatment, possibly linked to less satisfactory weight loss results.
Thomsen emphasized the importance of understanding the reasons behind this high dropout rate, stating, “Understanding who may benefit most from interventions that encourage adherence is essential to improving treatment use.”
Despite the promise of semaglutide, researchers warn that pharmacotherapy alone cannot combat the “global obesity tsunami.” Addressing root causes of obesity remains crucial for effective long-term strategies.
The researchers acknowledge limitations in their study, such as the lack of detailed BMI data and individual financial information, which could influence treatment adherence. As health disparities widen, the high cost of semaglutide could be a significant barrier for many, especially in marginalized communities.
These critical findings underscore the urgent need for further investigation into adherence strategies and broader accessibility to treatments like semaglutide. The study’s revelations are essential for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as experts continue to analyze the implications of these findings.
