TrimRX | Study: Why Patients Stop GLP-1 Medications

Patients often stop taking GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and liraglutide, despite their proven benefits for managing type 2 diabetes and supporting weight loss. Research shows that 46.5% of diabetes patients and 64.8% of weight management users discontinue within a year. The main reasons include gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting), high costs, and a preference for oral medication over injections. Financial barriers are especially common in the U.S., where out-of-pocket costs can exceed $1,000 per month.

Key findings:

Side effects: 64.4% report nausea; 45.4% report vomiting.
Cost: 26.9% cite affordability as a reason to stop.
Weight regain: After stopping, many regain 60%-75% of lost weight within a year.
Blood sugar control: Diabetes patients see HbA1c levels rise from 7.0% to 8.1% after discontinuation.

To improve adherence, healthcare providers focus on managing side effects, offering financial assistance, and setting realistic expectations about results. Programs like TrimRX provide tailored support, reducing barriers and helping patients stay on track.

Why are patients stopping and restarting GLP-1 meds?

What the Research Shows About GLP-1 Discontinuation

Recent studies have shed light on why so many patients discontinue GLP-1 treatments. Research conducted between January 2022 and December 2024 has analyzed data from thousands of patients to identify key patterns and challenges.

One large-scale study of 125,474 adults found that 64.8% of patients without type 2 diabetes stopped their GLP-1 treatment within a year, compared to 46.5% of patients with type 2 diabetes. This difference suggests that the presence of diabetes may influence a patient’s likelihood to stick with the treatment.

In Denmark, researchers tracked 77,310 individuals using semaglutide for weight loss. They observed that discontinuation rates climbed from 18% at three months to 52% at 12 months.

Demographic trends also emerged. Younger patients aged 18–29 were 48% more likely to discontinue compared to those aged 45–59. Financial factors played a significant role as well – patients earning less than 300,000 Danish Krones (around $48,000) were more likely to stop treatment, highlighting the financial strain associated with these therapies.

In the United States, 47.6% of patients discontinued injectable semaglutide or tirzepatide due to cost or insurance-related issues. This underscores the financial barriers faced by patients in healthcare systems with high out-of-pocket expenses.

Top Reasons Patients Stop GLP-1 Medications

The research identified several major factors contributing to treatment discontinuation. Gastrointestinal side effects were the most frequently reported issue, with 64.4% of patients experiencing nausea and 45.4% reporting vomiting. These side effects were often severe enough to prompt patients to stop their medications.

Cost concerns were another significant barrier, particularly in the U.S., where high treatment costs and insurance limitations often prevent long-term adherence. Additionally, the delivery method of the medication influenced patient preferences – 39.7% of patients expressed a preference for oral medications over injections.

Interestingly, there’s a disconnect between how doctors and patients view treatment challenges. For example, 45.6% of physicians cited inadequate blood glucose control as a reason for discontinuation, compared to 34.5% of patients. Similarly, while 43.8% of doctors noted nausea and vomiting as key issues, these symptoms were reported by 64.4% of patients.

How Common Each Barrier Is

Data from the research provides a clear picture of the most common challenges patients face when using GLP-1 medications. The table below highlights the primary reasons for discontinuation:

Reason for Discontinuation	Percentage of Patients
Made me feel sick	64.4%
Made me throw up	45.4%
Prefer oral medication over injections	39.7%
Inadequate blood glucose control	34.5%
Cost too high	26.9%

Gastrointestinal side effects stand out as the most common reason for stopping treatment, affecting nearly two-thirds of patients. For those experiencing moderate to severe side effects, the likelihood of discontinuation increased significantly, with hazard ratios of 1.38 for patients with type 2 diabetes and 1.19 for those without.

Interestingly, patients who achieved greater weight loss were less likely to discontinue treatment. For every 1% reduction in weight, there was a 3.1% lower risk of discontinuation for those with type 2 diabetes and 3.3% for those without. This suggests that early, visible results can encourage patients to stay on track.

Income also played a role. Among patients with type 2 diabetes, those with higher incomes were less likely to stop treatment, further emphasizing the influence of financial stability on adherence and long-term success with GLP-1 therapies.

What Happens When Patients Stop GLP-1 Medications

Stopping GLP-1 medications often leads to a reversal of the weight loss and metabolic improvements achieved during treatment.

Weight Regain After Stopping Treatment

One of the most noticeable effects of discontinuing GLP-1 medications is weight regain. Research consistently shows that a significant portion of the weight lost during treatment is regained within the first year of stopping.

For instance, a study conducted from January 2020 to November 2022 revealed that nearly half (49.33%) of patients who had lost weight on GLP-1 medications ended up exceeding their original weight within a year of discontinuation. Another study tracking 85 patients found that 65.38% experienced weight gain within the same timeframe, with an average weight regain of 24.4% over 12 months.

"Weight regain after GLP-1RA cessation is common, but neither as rapid nor as consistent as predicted by RCT literature", says Mona Abdel-Bary, Researcher.

A systematic review of 44 studies found that about 60% of the weight lost during treatment was regained within a year. Additionally, weight regain often plateaus at around 75.6% of the weight lost, leaving only 40.2% of the initial weight loss intact after one year.

Interestingly, patients with type 2 diabetes tend to regain weight more slowly than those without diabetes. This suggests that underlying metabolic conditions may influence how quickly weight returns.

"The trajectory of weight regain following GLP-1RA treatment cessation resembles an exponential recovery curve approaching an asymptote", explains Brajan Budini.

Alongside weight regain, metabolic health also tends to decline when treatment is stopped.

Blood Sugar and Metabolic Changes

For patients with type 2 diabetes, stopping GLP-1 medications can lead to more than just weight regain – it can also significantly impact blood sugar control. The medications’ effects on glucose regulation fade quickly, often resulting in a return to pre-treatment levels.

A study published in November 2024 highlighted this issue. Patients with type 2 diabetes who stopped taking dulaglutide saw their HbA1c levels rise from 7.0% to 8.1%, while fasting glucose levels increased from 129 mg/dL to 156 mg/dL within just three months.

Metabolic Parameter	During Treatment	After Discontinuation
HbA1c	7.0%	8.1%
Fasting Glucose	129 mg/dL	156 mg/dL

"Discontinuation of GLP-1 receptor agonists leads to significant increases in HbA1c and fasting glucose levels", notes Dr. Joon Ho Moon.

The STEP 1 trial extension further supports these findings. Participants who stopped taking semaglutide regained two-thirds of their weight loss within a year and returned to baseline levels for cardiometabolic risk factors. Improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and other markers of heart health also disappeared.

Weight regain can begin as early as eight weeks after stopping treatment, with average increases of 1.50 kg at eight weeks and 2.50 kg at 20 weeks compared to those who remained on the medication. This rapid timeline demonstrates how quickly the benefits of GLP-1 medications can fade once treatment is discontinued.

Beyond these physical changes, stopping GLP-1 medications reverses hormonal adjustments that had suppressed appetite, slowed gastric emptying, and reduced caloric intake. These shifts drive both weight regain and a loss of glycemic control.

How to Help Patients Stay on GLP-1 Medications

To address the challenges patients face with GLP-1 medications, healthcare providers can focus on strategies that tackle clinical and financial barriers. The goal is to overcome common obstacles – like side effects, lack of support, and high costs – to improve adherence and ensure long-term success.

Teaching Patients About Side Effects and What to Expect

Educating patients about what to expect during GLP-1 treatment is crucial. When patients are well-prepared, they’re more likely to stick with the medication despite initial hurdles.

One of the biggest challenges is managing gastrointestinal side effects. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common reasons patients stop treatment, so it’s essential to address these upfront. Providers should explain that these side effects are most likely to occur in the first few weeks and usually improve as the body adjusts.

To help patients manage these symptoms, recommend staying hydrated, eating smaller, more frequent meals, and avoiding foods that might worsen nausea.

"GLP-1s represent an important advancement in obesity care… but these medications can present challenges, including gastrointestinal side effects… Nutrition therapy and lifestyle support are essential components to address these challenges", says Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, DrPH, from Tufts University.

Another key part of patient education is setting realistic expectations about weight loss. GLP-1 medications work gradually, and sustainable weight loss takes time. Patients need to understand this to avoid frustration or prematurely stopping treatment when results don’t align with unrealistic goals.

A clinical advisory from several leading organizations has emphasized the importance of combining GLP-1 therapy with nutritional and behavioral strategies. This integrated approach helps patients view the medication as part of a larger lifestyle change, rather than a standalone solution.

Regular Check-ins and Customized Support

Frequent follow-ups and tailored support can make a huge difference in keeping patients on track. Proactive follow-up systems allow providers to address problems early, whether it’s managing side effects, offering injection training, or adjusting doses to optimize outcomes.

"Patients who receive continued pharmacist-led support are more likely to stay on their treatment plan", according to Shields Health Solutions.

Health system specialty pharmacies (HSSPs) have proven particularly effective in providing this kind of integrated support. Shields Health Solutions reported in March 2025 that their specialty pharmacy model reduced the time to start GLP-1 therapy to just 24-48 hours by simplifying communication and insurance approvals.

In addition to clinical support, addressing financial challenges is critical to improving adherence.

Making Treatment More Affordable

High out-of-pocket costs are a major barrier to staying on GLP-1 medications. Without insurance, patients often face monthly expenses of $900 to $1,200, making the treatment inaccessible for many.

Streamlining insurance approvals is one way to lower costs. Health system specialty pharmacies can work directly with insurers to reduce delays and out-of-pocket expenses. For patients, this can mean the difference between starting treatment or giving up due to financial hurdles.

Patient assistance programs offered by manufacturers can also help. These programs often provide significant cost reductions, and for insured patients, copay assistance can lower monthly expenses to between $25 and $200. Providers should actively connect patients to these resources.

A study from the University of Colorado Health system revealed that uninsured patients paid an average of $900 per month for GLP-1 prescriptions, while those with insurance had an average out-of-pocket cost of $71.90 per prescription. Unfortunately, high costs and insurance barriers have led to 40% of GLP-1 prescriptions going unfilled, with uninsured patients and non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients disproportionately affected.

The Biden Administration’s proposal to include weight loss medications under Medicare and Medicaid starting in 2026 could significantly improve access for seniors. Until then, it’s critical for providers to connect patients with available financial resources and advocate for better coverage options.

"Policymakers should explore options to improve equitable access to GLP-1RAs", according to JAMA Health Forum.

How TrimRX Helps Patients Stay on Track

TrimRX

TrimRX tackles the main obstacles that often lead patients to stop GLP-1 treatments by offering personalized care and making access easier. With research showing high rates of treatment discontinuation, having a solid support system is more important than ever.

TrimRX’s approach directly addresses these issues by providing structured, patient-focused care. By targeting the specific reasons patients stop treatment, the program ensures they receive the support they need to stay on track.

Custom Treatment Plans and Medical Support

Personalized care is at the heart of TrimRX’s strategy. Through one-on-one consultations, healthcare providers develop treatment plans tailored to each patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and how well they tolerate the medication. This individualized focus is key, especially since many patients stop GLP-1 treatments due to poorly managed side effects.

TrimRX also uses flexible dose adjustment protocols to address one of the most common reasons for quitting treatment. Instead of applying a standard dosing schedule, providers adjust doses and titration rates based on how each patient responds. This helps ease patients through the initial adjustment phase, making the process more manageable.

Patients benefit from unlimited check-ins, giving them quick access to medical advice whenever they need it. This ongoing support helps address small concerns before they become big issues. Whether it’s advice on managing side effects, adjusting meal timing, or understanding what’s normal, patients have a reliable source of guidance.

Education is another cornerstone of the program. TrimRX ensures patients have realistic expectations about weight loss, emphasizing the gradual nature of GLP-1 therapy. By setting achievable goals, the program helps prevent frustration and premature treatment discontinuation when results take time to show.

Easy Access and Convenient Care

TrimRX also eliminates logistical hurdles that often lead to treatment abandonment. Free medication delivery and a simplified system reduce administrative delays and insurance headaches, sparing patients from frequent pharmacy trips. This is especially helpful for those dealing with side effects or juggling busy schedules.

The program’s predictable and affordable pricing further removes barriers, offering a more accessible alternative to the often high costs of GLP-1 medications without insurance coverage.

TrimRX ensures patients aren’t left to navigate their treatment alone after receiving their prescription. Ongoing monitoring helps catch potential issues early, whether it’s related to side effects, dosing adjustments, or lifestyle changes that could improve treatment outcomes.

Key Points for Better GLP-1 Treatment Success

Studies show that nearly half to three-quarters of patients stop GLP-1 treatment within the first year. These high drop-off rates highlight the importance of providing effective support throughout the treatment journey.

One major factor for success is managing side effects, particularly gastrointestinal issues. Addressing these early with accessible medical support can prevent patients from feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.

Another significant barrier is cost. GLP-1 treatments can reach up to $16,000 annually, with out-of-pocket expenses exceeding $1,000 per month. Manufacturer discount programs can help ease this financial strain, making it easier for patients to stick with their treatment plans.

"We don’t have a clear sense of why people are stopping, who’s stopping, and how we can help support people to stay on these highly effective medications." – Dr. Sadiya Khan, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Personalized care also plays a pivotal role. Tailored treatment plans, regular follow-ups, and flexible dosing schedules can make a big difference in adherence. Medications like semaglutide, which are taken weekly rather than daily, often see better adherence rates. This is likely because they are easier to manage and come with fewer frequent side effects.

Programs like TrimRX aim to address these challenges head-on. With pricing starting at $179, unlimited check-ins, and customized care plans, they offer a more comprehensive approach. By tackling both side effect management and financial hurdles, these programs can help patients achieve lasting results with their GLP-1 therapy.

For anyone considering GLP-1 treatment, choosing a program that goes beyond just providing medication – offering full-spectrum support – can significantly improve the chances of long-term success.

FAQs

How can healthcare providers help patients manage gastrointestinal side effects from GLP-1 medications?

Healthcare providers can play a key role in helping patients manage gastrointestinal side effects. Simple adjustments, like eating smaller, more frequent meals or steering clear of high-fat and greasy foods, can make a big difference. If side effects become too intense, tweaking the dosage or taking a short break from treatment might be necessary.

Providers can also offer practical advice to help patients adapt to their medication. By maintaining open communication and tailoring care to each individual, they can ensure patients feel supported, which can boost both adherence to treatment and overall satisfaction.

What financial assistance options are available to make GLP-1 medications more affordable?

There are a few options to help make GLP-1 medications easier on the wallet. Manufacturer savings programs can be a great starting point, often offering coupons or discounts on brand-name medications to cut down out-of-pocket expenses. If you’re on Medicare, you might qualify for copays as low as $50 for specific GLP-1 drugs approved for managing both obesity and diabetes. Meanwhile, Medicaid programs in certain states also provide reduced pricing for these treatments.

For more tailored assistance, services like TrimRX can simplify the process of accessing GLP-1 medications. They offer personalized consultations, custom prescriptions, and even free delivery, making it easier to maintain an affordable and effective weight loss plan.

What happens to weight and blood sugar levels after stopping GLP-1 medications for type 2 diabetes?

When GLP-1 medications are discontinued, it often leads to noticeable shifts in weight and blood sugar management. Studies reveal that many people regain a large portion of the weight they initially lost – sometimes as much as two-thirds – within a year of stopping medications like semaglutide. For those managing type 2 diabetes, halting these treatments can also cause blood sugar levels to rise again, along with the return of diabetic symptoms.

To preserve long-term benefits, it’s crucial to combine GLP-1 medications with lasting lifestyle adjustments. This includes focusing on balanced eating habits, staying physically active, and receiving continuous medical guidance.

Study: Why Patients Stop GLP-1 Medications

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