Weight-loss medications have been found less effective than previously thought when used in real-world settings rather than clinical trials. A new study analyzed nearly 8,000 patients with severe obesity who took injectable GLP-1 medications from 2021 to 2023. The research found that over 20% of patients stopped taking their medication within three months, while 32% quit between three and twelve months.
Those who discontinued early lost an average of 3.6% of their body weight, compared to 6.8% for those who stayed on the medication longer. Patients who continued treatment lost about 12% of their body weight, whereas clinical trials showed a 15-20% weight loss. The study suggests that high out-of-pocket costs, insurance issues, side effects, and supply shortages contributed to the higher discontinuation rates in real-world use.
The study’s findings can help healthcare providers and patients make informed decisions about treatment and dosage.
Source: https://local12.com/news/nation-world/weight-loss-drugs-less-effective-real-world-settings-study-finds-research-scientists-new-medications-pills-shots-high-cost-insurance-coverage-doctors-supply-shortages-side-effects-healthcare-providers-patients