![[aggregator] downloaded image for imported item #17965](https://newsview.top/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/woman-holding-glp1-medications-1024x576.jpg "Older Americans are quitting GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for 4 key reasons")
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FDA approves first GLP-1 pill for weight loss
Marc Siegel joins ‘America’s Newsroom’ to discuss the approval of a GLP-1 pill for weight loss and compares it to injection-based alternatives.
GLP-1 medications have dominated theweight-loss landscapethis year — but some older Americans are reportedly kicking the trend to the curb.
A study published in JAMA in January 2025 — which looked at more than 125,000 overweight or obese people — found that nearly 47% of those with type 2 diabetes and 65% of those without diabetes stopped taking their prescribed GLP-1s within a year of starting them.
Dr.John Batsis, a geriatrician and obesity specialist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, toldThe New York Timesin a recent report that people over 65 years old are “prime targets” for this medication, as obesity prevalence is about 40% in older adults.
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These drugs, which mimic a natural gut hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), are primarily used for type 2 diabetes and weight management.However, they have also been tested to target a variety of other conditions, likesleep apneaand cardiovascular events.
Older Americans have been discontinuing their use of GLP-1s for weight loss, according to studies.(iStock)
Starting and stopping these drugs often leads to weight regain, increased appetite and the loss of other associated health benefits, like redued blood pressure and cholesterol, according to Stamford Health and other experts.The risk forobesity-related conditions, such as heart disease and sleep apnea, may also increase.
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Despite the risks, some older Americans are reportedly abandoning theirweight-loss medicationsfor a variety of reasons, from intense side effects to climbing costs.
Below are four of the main reasons seniors might not stick to their GLP-1 prescriptions.
No.1: Cost
The price of GLP-1 medications is a major factor in keeping up with treatment, especially as shortages threaten availability.
The New York Times shared the story of 75-year-old Mary Bucklew, a public transit retiree living in Delaware, who had been paying just a $25 monthly co-pay through herhealth insurance planto receive Ozempic for weight loss.
The price of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic is a major factor in keeping up with treatment, according to reports.(REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo)
Bucklew lost 25 pounds in six months and reportedly gained more energy.But her insurance company notified her that they would no longer cover the drug, despite her arguments that it was necessaryfor her health.
Without the coverage, Bucklew’s prescription would cost more than $1,000 per month out of pocket, leaving her no choice but to stop taking it, per the report.
Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common side effect of GLP-1s.(iStock)
Common side effects often includenausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, headaches, fatigue and hair thinning, according to experts.
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“Older patients may be more sensitive to the GI side effects, too,” Decotiis said.“Careful monitoring by a physician who is knowledgeable in the area of medical weight loss is imperative.”
No.3: Dehydration
Older patients are often dehydrated from the start and do not consumeenough waterto offset GLP-1 side effects, according to Decotiis.
enough protein, they may lose more muscle and less fat, she said.
Muscle mass loss occurs naturally with age and can be worsened by weight loss drugs, experts warn.(iStock)
An October 2024 review from the American Heart Association cited two recent studies showing that less than half of the weight lost from GLP-1 medications came from fat, with a substantial portion coming from muscle mass.
The loss of muscle amongolder individualscan lead to an increased risk of falls and fractures.After age 35, muscle mass may decrease by up to 2% each year, according to Harvard Health — and that number increases to 3% after age 60.
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People can take certain steps to counter the risk of semaglutide-related muscle loss, experts agree.
“It starts with heightened surveillance from both the patient and the physician,” Dr.He recommends that physicians conduct regular body measurements of patients and adjust themedication dosageif benchmarks are not being met.
Finding success and sticking to it
Healthcare providers who approve the use of these medications without “carefully following” the patients can contribute to failure of the medications, according to Decotiis.
“Many of the patients who quit their GLP-1 drugs could have stayed on them with the right personalized care.”
“Often, using a customized dosing plan helps the patient avoid undue side effects and helps themburn more fat, which is the mechanism by which GLP drugs work long-term and systemically,�“For certain patients, a high-quality compounded GLP-1 can achieve tailored dosing.”
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“Many of the patients who quit their GLP-1 drugs could have stayed on them with the right personalized care.”
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