The US has one of the largest overweight or obese populations in the world, with nearly half of adults admitting they’d take a weight loss drug if available. However, many drop their treatment after stopping due to concerns about weight regain.
Semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy, is one of the most popular injectable weight loss drugs, reducing weight and cardiovascular risk. Despite its benefits, 45% of US adults are interested in taking it, but only 14% if they’ll regain weight. The main reason for discontinuation is not due to cost or convenience, but rather a perception that the drug is not a chronic disease therapy.
Experts warn that high discontinuation rates raise concerns about public health. Dr. Sadiya Khan calls it “staggeringly high” and attributes it to factors such as cost and misconceptions about the drug’s purpose. The US needs to address its obesity problem, with 40% of adults projected to be overweight or obese by 2050.
Source: https://newatlas.com/disease/obesity/us-glp-1-weight-loss-discontinuance