10 Reasons Why People Stop Taking GLP-1s — and How to Overcome Them

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About Dr. Wendy Scinta


GLP-1 medications continue to grow in popularity, even though they are often not covered by insurance for weight loss. By June of last year, 12% of U.S. adults had tried these medications. It’s no surprise — they dominate TV commercials and social media. There are countless self-declared experts sharing their experiences. What you don’t hear as often, unfortunately, is that these medications are often abandoned. According to a recent article from JAMA, 50–75% of people who start GLP-1s stop taking them within a year.

Why is this happening? These medications are supposed to be the magic bullet for weight loss! Based on my extensive experience using them for both weight loss and diabetes, I’ve identified some common challenges.

Here are the top 10 reasons why GLP-1s are often abandoned:

1. GLP-1 Cost and Insurance Coverage

    Many GLP-1 medications—such as Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)—are expensive. They’re also not consistently covered by insurance, especially for weight loss. The out-of-pocket cost can be prohibitive, often reaching $1,200 to $1,400 per month.

    Some advertisements and pop-up clinics promote significantly lower initial prices. However, these discounts are usually temporary. Costs often rise steeply for later purchases, leaving users struggling to afford them.

    2. Lack of a Nutrition Plan

      At Medical Weight Loss of New York, we follow a comprehensive approach. Each patient, no matter their weight loss goals, leaves their first visit with a personalized nutrition plan.

      Without a structured nutrition plan, GLP-1 users often face challenges. Many eat too many carbs and not enough protein, leading to muscle loss and slower progress. This frustration can cause some to stop taking the medication early.

      A strong nutrition plan improves results and helps reduce common GLP-1 side effects. Make sure you have a sound plan to insure the ultimate success. 

      3. Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications

        Common side effects of GLP-1 medications include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms can be difficult to manage, especially without proper guidance. If left unchecked, side effects often get worse and lead people to stop the medication entirely.

        The good news? These issues can often be managed with small changes, like adjusting the dose, timing, or getting the right support. Unfortunately, most programs that sell GLP-1s don’t offer enough follow-up care. This leaves patients struggling with side effects alone until they feel they have no choice but to quit.

        4. Availability of GLP-1s

          Supply chain issues and medication shortages often make it hard for patients to access GLP-1s reliably. Gaps in availability are especially challenging because restarting after a break usually requires beginning at a lower dose. But insurance companies often only approve the most recent dose, which creates problems. For many patients, this can lead to serious side effects, as these medications are meant to be increased gradually over time—not suddenly restarted at a previously higher dose.

          5. GLP-1 Related Muscle Loss

            We’ve all heard terms like “Ozempic face” or “Ozempic butt.” If patients aren’t careful while taking these medications, they may start to look as though they are starving. Bloodwork can even confirm this, showing low albumin and other markers consistent with a starvation state. Losing muscle slows down metabolism, making it harder to lose weight. Over time, weight loss may slow down or stop entirely. When there is no progress, motivation drops, and many patients end up giving up.

            6. No Follow-Up and Accountability

              Without regular follow-ups from healthcare providers, many patients feel unsupported. These check-ins are essential for managing muscle loss, addressing side effects, and making necessary adjustments to treatment plans. Without proper support, patients often struggle and may eventually stop treatment.

              7. Plateau or Perceived Loss of Efficacy 

                Weight loss often slows or plateaus over time. This can lead patients to believe the medication isn’t working anymore. Eating too little protein can make things worse by causing muscle loss. When you lose muscle, metabolism slows down, making it even harder to continue losing weight. When there is a plateau, it might be time to increase to the next dose. Without follow up, however, patients may not know that this is the next step.

                8. Issues with GLP-1 Dosing

                  Increasing the dose too quickly can cause severe side effects, making patients stop the medication. On the other hand, increasing it too slowly might lead to disappointing results, causing some to give up. Many pop up shops selling GLP-1s have a forced titration schedule which can wreak havoc if the patient is not ready to increase yet.  

                  9. Unmet Expectations Due to Lack of Behavioral Changes

                    GLP-1s work best when combined with lifestyle changes. We’ve already discussed how important a good nutrition plan is. Skipping key behavioral changes or having unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and stopping the medication. For example, taking a GLP-1 but continuing to binge on unhealthy junk food every night makes it harder to lose weight and keep it off.

                    10. Fear of Long-Term Use

                      Concerns about the long-term safety of GLP-1s stop many people from committing to them. A study found that interest in these medications dropped from over 50% to 12% when patients learned they were meant for long-term use. Stopping the medication after initial success often leads to weight regain. Restarting at a higher dose can bring back side effects.

                      How to Succeed with GLP-1s

                      I know it can be tough to stay on GLP-1s. There are financial, physical, and emotional barriers that make it seem like an impossible task to continue with them. But here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to be this way, with the right support.

                      What is missing from many patients is better education about how these medications work, strategies to manage side effects on a personal level, and solutions to make them less expensive. These tools can make all the difference between sticking to your treatment plan and seeing long-term success.
                      Also remember that GLP-1s aren’t the only way to lose weight. Other medications including Phentermine, Topamax, Vyvanse, or even Chromium can be very efficient. A comprehensive medical weight loss program can help you go through all these options and find your best one.

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