Study Reveals High Discontinuation Rates for Popular Weight-Loss Medication
Recent research presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Vienna has revealed that a significant number of individuals prescribed the weight-loss medication semaglutide discontinue its use within the first year. Specifically, the study found that approximately half of adults without diabetes who initiated treatment in Denmark ceased taking the drug after just twelve months.
Semaglutide, a member of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) class of medications, has been recognized for its effectiveness in facilitating weight loss by suppressing appetite and enhancing feelings of fullness. However, the findings from this population-wide study raise concerns about the long-term adherence to such treatments, which are designed to be used over an extended period for maximum efficacy. According to the lead researcher, the loss of appetite control benefits when the medication is stopped is particularly alarming.
The study analyzed data from Danish health registries, focusing on 77,310 first-time users of semaglutide who began treatment between its launch on December 1, 2022, and October 1, 2023. The results indicated that 40,262 participants, with a median age of 50 years (72% female), had terminated their use of the drug within a year. Specifically, the discontinuation rates were 18% at three months, 31% at six months, and 42% at nine months.
Researchers identified several factors influencing the likelihood of discontinuation. Age was a significant variable; younger users aged 18 to 29 were found to be 48% more likely to stop treatment within the first year compared to older users aged 45 to 59. This discrepancy may be attributed to the financial burden of the medication, which costs approximately 2,000 Euros annually for the lowest dosage. Additionally, individuals residing in lower-income areas were 14% more likely to discontinue use than those in wealthier neighborhoods, highlighting the role of socioeconomic factors in access to treatment.
Further analysis indicated that prior use of gastrointestinal medications, which may suggest a predisposition to adverse effects associated with GLP-1RAs, was linked to a 9% higher likelihood of discontinuation. Similarly, individuals with a history of psychiatric medication use were 12% more likely to stop the drug within a year. Those with chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular issues, also showed increased discontinuation rates.
Gender differences were noted as well, with men being 12% more likely to discontinue treatment compared to women, potentially reflecting dissatisfaction with weight-loss outcomes.
The researchers emphasized the need for further investigation into the reasons behind these high rates of early discontinuation, particularly given the prevalence of obesity in Europe, where over half of the adult population is affected by overweight or obesity. Understanding the factors that influence adherence to weight-loss medications is crucial for improving health outcomes and the overall quality of life for those affected by obesity.
Despite the study's valuable insights, the authors acknowledged certain limitations, such as the lack of detailed anthropometric data and the potential underreporting of milder side effects. They also noted that the lack of information regarding the actual weight loss achieved by participants complicates the analysis of treatment effectiveness.