More than half of people prescribed popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy stop taking them within a year, according to new research from Denmark. The findings raise concerns over the long-term effectiveness of these medications, which are designed to be taken indefinitely.
The analysis, conducted by researchers at Aarhus University, examined medical records from more than 77,000 people who had been prescribed anti-obesity drugs but did not have diabetes. The study revealed that 52 percent of patients discontinued treatment within 12 months.
Breaking down the data further, 18 percent quit within the first three months, 31 percent within six months, and 42 percent within nine months.
“This level of drop off is concerning because these medications aren’t meant to be a temporary quick fix,” said Professor Reimar W. Thomsen, one of the study’s authors. “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.”
The research highlighted that younger people, men, those with chronic health conditions, and patients with a history of gastrointestinal or psychiatric medication use were more likely to stop treatment early. Side effects such as nausea and vomiting may have contributed to the discontinuation.
Socioeconomic status also played a role. Adults living in low-income areas were 14 percent more likely to quit compared with those in more affluent areas. In Denmark, where government healthcare typically only covers Ozempic for type 2 diabetes patients, a monthly supply can cost up to €313. By comparison, the same drug costs about €120 in Germany.
Younger patients were among the most likely to discontinue treatment. Adults under 30 were found to be 48 percent more likely to quit within the first year compared with middle-aged adults aged 45 to 59.
The findings, which are yet to be published in a medical journal, will be presented this week at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Vienna.
Experts warn that stopping these medications carries health risks. Not only do patients tend to regain the weight they initially lost, but the drugs have also been linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and even addiction.
“With over half of adults in Europe living with overweight or obesity, understanding who may benefit most from interventions that encourage adherence is essential,” Thomsen noted. “Supporting patients to remain on treatment could lead to better long-term health outcomes and improved quality of life.”
The research underscores a growing debate over the affordability and accessibility of new anti-obesity medications, which have seen soaring demand worldwide. While hailed as a breakthrough in the fight against obesity, the question of whether patients can realistically stay on them for life remains unresolved.