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Real-World Study Finds Over 50% Stop GLP-1s Within 1 Year

Published · Updated

Original Article: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/real-world-study-finds-over-50-stop-glp-1s-within-1-year-2025a1000obm 

Overview

A recent nationwide study in Denmark found that over half of adults without diabetes who started a GLP-1 RA drug (e.g., semaglutide, which is known by its trade name Wegovy) for weight loss discontinued the medication within one year. This study was presented at the 2025 European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting.

Study Design and Population

Researchers analyzed data from Denmark’s nationwide health registries, including 77,310 adults who began the GLP-1 drug between December 2022 and October 2023. The average age of participants was 50 years, and 71% were women. 

Discontinuation Rates

The study found that 52% of participants stopped the drug within the first year. Discontinuation was already noticeable at three months and continued steadily.

Predictors of Discontinuation

Several factors were linked to higher discontinuation rates. Despite Denmark’s publicly funded healthcare system, semaglutide for weight loss is an out-of-pocket expense, costing approximately €2,000 annually for the lowest dose as of mid-2025. This financial burden is likely a factor influencing discontinuation. Also, younger adults, particularly those aged 18–30, were more likely to stop treatment compared with middle-aged adults. Individuals living in low-income areas had higher discontinuation, as did those with multiple comorbidities or prior use of gastrointestinal or psychiatric medications. Men were also more likely to discontinue than women. 

Clinical Implications

The findings emphasize the need for clinicians to consider real-world barriers when prescribing GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight management. Awareness of factors that contribute to early discontinuation—such as cost, side effects, and patient comorbidities—can inform strategies for patient education, support, and adherence monitoring. Tailored guidance may help improve treatment persistence and outcomes for adults using this type of medicine for weight loss.