URGENT UPDATE: A groundbreaking study reveals that 50% of patients using the weight loss drug semaglutide discontinue treatment within a year, raising serious concerns about its long-term effectiveness. This alarming statistic emerged from a population-wide study of adults in Denmark, presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) conference from September 15 to 19, 2023.
The research, led by Reimar W. Thomsen from Aarhus University, analyzed data from 77,310 first-time users of semaglutide, a drug primarily developed for diabetes management but increasingly used for weight loss. The findings show that within three, six, and nine months, 18%, 31%, and 42% of users, respectively, stopped taking the medication.
“This level of drop-off is concerning because these medications aren’t meant to be a temporary quick fix,” Thomsen stated. “For them to work effectively, they need to be taken long-term. All of the beneficial effects on appetite control are lost if the medication is stopped.”
Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss, functions by reducing appetite and enhancing satiety signals. However, the study highlights that many users may not maintain their regimen long enough to achieve sustainable weight loss. Notably, the long-term efficacy of semaglutide remains uncertain, prompting calls for further research.
The data indicated that younger users, particularly those aged 18–29 years, were 48% more likely to discontinue the drug compared to those aged 45–59 years. Additionally, socioeconomic factors played a significant role; individuals in low-income areas were 14% more likely to stop treatment within the first year.
Thomsen noted that adverse effects are contributing factors to discontinuation. Users with a history of gastrointestinal issues were 9% more likely to stop, while those with psychiatric medication histories faced a 12% higher risk of discontinuation. Men were also 12% more likely to drop out than women, potentially due to less satisfactory weight loss results.
Despite the impressive weight loss potential, the study underscores the challenges of maintaining adherence to semaglutide therapy. “Understanding who may benefit most from interventions that encourage adherence is essential to improving treatment use and subsequent health outcomes,” Thomsen emphasized.
The high cost of semaglutide, alongside the potential for health disparities, poses additional barriers for many individuals seeking effective obesity treatment. Although semaglutide shows promise, the findings raise critical questions about the sustainability of weight loss efforts in real-world settings.
As the conversation around obesity treatment continues, health officials urge a holistic approach to addressing the complex factors contributing to obesity. “Pharmacotherapy alone is not the solution; we need to tackle the root causes,” Thomsen concluded.
Stay tuned for updates as researchers continue to explore the implications of this study on obesity management and treatment strategies.