In recent years, injectable weight-loss medications like semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy) have gained popularity in the United States, offering a promising solution to the country’s rising obesity rates, New Atlas reports.
However, despite initial enthusiasm, there is growing concern over the long-term effectiveness and accessibility of these drugs, particularly as many users stop taking them after a period.
A recent survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found that nearly half of US adults, 45%, expressed interest in using a safe and effective weight-loss drug. However, that number dropped dramatically to just 14% when respondents learned that the weight might return after discontinuing the medication. This shift in opinion highlights a larger issue surrounding these drugs: many people are discontinuing their use, particularly when they stop seeing results or face financial barriers.
Semaglutide, a drug originally developed for diabetes treatment, has become a breakthrough in weight loss, offering significant reductions in body weight and lowering the risk of cardiovascular issues in both diabetics and non-diabetics. Despite its proven benefits, including cardiovascular health improvements, the KFF poll indicates that many users do not see it as a long-term solution. A study published in The Lancet points to the alarming trend that a significant portion of the US population remains overweight or obese, with rates expected to rise sharply by 2050.
The challenge of sticking with these medications is reflected in the discontinuation rates observed in clinical studies. A study published in JAMA Network Open found that 36.5% of patients discontinued GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA) drugs—such as semaglutide—within a year, particularly among those using them primarily for weight loss rather than chronic conditions like diabetes. The reasons for discontinuation include high drug costs, the perception that the medication is only a temporary solution, and in some cases, the desire for cosmetic rather than health-related weight loss.
These challenges are compounded by the high cost of GLP-1 RAs, which can make them difficult to afford, even for insured individuals. According to the KFF survey, 54% of adults reported difficulty affording these drugs, with many feeling the financial strain even if their insurance partially covers the cost. This issue is particularly pronounced among low-income populations and those covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
The rapid weight regain that often follows discontinuation of the drugs has raised concerns among healthcare professionals. Dr. Sadiya Khan, an expert in cardiology and preventive medicine at Northwestern University, argues that these high discontinuation rates should be addressed by clinicians, policymakers, and public health experts. She believes that while the high cost is a major barrier, the perception that these drugs are only for temporary weight loss, rather than part of a chronic disease management strategy, may also play a role.
Despite these issues, experts agree that semaglutide and other GLP-1 RAs offer significant health benefits beyond weight loss, including a reduction in cardiovascular disease events. However, as the US faces a growing obesity epidemic, it is clear that relying solely on medications like semaglutide will not solve the problem. Instead, long-term strategies, including lifestyle changes and more accessible healthcare options, will be crucial in addressing the country’s obesity crisis.
