This record provides bibliographic details and links to the original research. An editorial study breakdown is not available.
What the researchers found
Among 125,474 US adults, 65% without diabetes discontinued GLP-1 RAs within one year vs. 47% with diabetes. Weight loss predicted staying on treatment; GI side effects and lower income predicted stopping.
Why it matters
This is the largest study of GLP-1 RA adherence patterns. It reveals that most patients stop these drugs within a year, especially those using them for weight loss without diabetes, highlighting a major treatment gap.
The numbers in context
125,474 adults (65.4% women, mean age 54.4). 1-year discontinuation: 64.8% without T2D, 46.5% with T2D. Each 1% weight loss reduced discontinuation hazard by 3.1-3.3%. GI adverse events: HR 1.19-1.38 for discontinuation. Income >$80K: HR 0.72 for discontinuation (T2D only). 1-year reinitiation: 36.3% without T2D, 47.3% with T2D.
How the study worked
Retrospective cohort using electronic health records from multiple US health systems. 2018-2023. Kaplan-Meier for discontinuation/reinitiation. Time-varying Cox regression for predictors. Up to 4-year follow-up.
Who was studied
US adults with overweight or obesity newly starting GLP-1 RAs (liraglutide, semaglutide, or tirzepatide)
What this study cannot tell us
EHR-based, may miss prescriptions filled outside system. Cannot distinguish intentional discontinuation from access barriers. Observational design. US-specific. Newer agents (tirzepatide) had shorter follow-up.
Read the original research
Discontinuation and Reinitiation of Dual-Labeled GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Among US Adults With Overweight or Obesity.
JAMA network open, 8(1), e2457349
Citation
Rodriguez, Patricia J; Zhang, Vincent; Gratzl, Samuel; Do, Duy; Goodwin Cartwright, Brianna; Baker, Charlotte; Gluckman, Ty J; Stucky, Nicholas; Emanuel, Ezekiel J. (2025). Discontinuation and Reinitiation of Dual-Labeled GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Among US Adults With Overweight or Obesity.. JAMA network open, 8(1), e2457349. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.57349