Older Americans Are Ditching GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs for 4 Key Reasons
FDA approves first GLP-1 weight loss pill
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GLP-1 drugs have dominated the weight loss landscape this year, but some older Americans are reportedly putting an end to the trend.
A study published in JAMA in January 2025, which looked at more than 125,000 people who were overweight or obese, found that nearly 47% of people with type 2 diabetes and 65% of people without diabetes stopped taking prescribed GLP-1s within a year of starting them.
Dr. John Batsis, a geriatrician and obesity specialist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, told The New York Times in a recent report that people over 65 are the “primary targets” for this drug, since the prevalence of obesity is about 40% in older adults.
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These medications, which mimic a natural gut hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1), are primarily used for type 2 diabetes and weight control. However, they have also been tested to address a variety of other conditions, such as sleep apnea and cardiovascular events.
According to studies, older Americans have stopped using GLP-1 to lose weight. (iStock)
According to Stamford Health and other experts, starting and stopping these medications often leads to weight regain, increased appetite, and loss of other associated health benefits, such as a reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol. It may also increase the risk of obesity-related diseases, such as heart disease and sleep apnea.
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Despite the risks, some older Americans are reportedly abandoning their weight-loss medications for a variety of reasons, from severe side effects to rising costs.
Below are four of the main reasons why seniors may not adhere to their GLP-1 prescriptions.
No. 1: Cost
The price of GLP-1 drugs is an important factor in maintaining treatment, especially as shortages threaten availability.
The New York Times shared the story of Mary Bucklew, 75, a transit retiree living in Delaware, who had been paying only a $25 monthly copay through her health insurance plan to receive Ozempic for weight loss.
The price of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic is reportedly an important factor in maintaining treatment. (REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo)
Bucklew lost 25 pounds in six months and reportedly gained more energy. But her insurance company notified her that they would no longer cover the medication, even though she argued it was necessary for her health.
Without the coverage, Bucklew’s prescription would cost him more than $1,000 a month out of pocket, leaving him no choice but to stop taking it, according to the report.
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Some GLP-1 manufacturers have made efforts to make the products more accessible. In December 2025, Lilly announced that it would lower the price of single-dose vials of Zepbound (tirzepatide).
“Too many people who need obesity treatments still face cost and coverage barriers,” Ilya Yuffa, executive vice president and president of Lilly USA, said in the announcement. “Today’s action underscores Lilly’s commitment to improving access across the obesity care landscape. We will continue to work to offer more options — expand delivery device options and create new access pathways, so more people can get the medications they need.”
No. 2: side effects
In an interview with News Digital, Dr. Sue Decotiis, a weight loss specialist in New York City, confirmed that more than half of seniors stop taking a GLP-1 medication due to cost or side effects.
Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common side effects of GLP-1. (iStock)
Common side effects typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, headaches, fatigue and hair loss, according to experts.
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“Older patients may also be more sensitive to gastrointestinal side effects,” Decotiis said. “Careful follow-up by a physician knowledgeable in the area of medical weight loss is imperative.”
No. 3: Dehydration
According to Decotiis, older patients are often dehydrated from the start and do not consume enough water to offset the side effects of GLP-1.
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“A body composition scale can determine muscle mass and bone density, and can show the patient through illustrations what to do,” he said.
In the official prescribing information for Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, the drugmaker warns that nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, stating that it is “important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration,” especially for people with underlying kidney problems.
No. 4: Muscle loss
Loss of muscle mass, which is another side effect of GLP-1 medications, can be “harmful” in this age group, Decotiis warned.
When people are dehydrated or don’t consume enough protein, they can lose more muscle and less fat, he said.
Muscle loss occurs naturally with age and can be worsened by weight-loss medications, experts warn. (iStock)
An October 2024 review by the American Heart Association cited two recent studies showing that less than half of the weight lost with GLP-1 medications came from fat, and a substantial portion came from muscle mass.
Loss of muscle mass among older people can lead to an increased risk of falls and fractures. After age 35, muscle mass can decrease by up to 2% each year, according to Harvard Health, and that number increases to 3% after age 60.
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Experts agree that people can take certain steps to counteract the risk of muscle loss related to semaglutide.
“It starts with increased vigilance on the part of both the patient and the doctor,” Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida-based neurosurgeon and longevity expert, previously told News Digital. Recommends that doctors perform periodic body measurements of patients and adjust the medication dosage if benchmarks are not met.
Find success and stick with it
Health care providers who approve the use of these medications without “carefully following” patients may contribute to medication failure, according to Decotiis.
“Many of the patients who stopped their GLP-1 medications could have continued them with appropriate personalized care.”
“Using a personalized dosing plan often helps the patient avoid undue side effects and helps them burn more fat, which is the mechanism by which GLP medications work long-term and systemically,” he told News Digital. “For certain patients, a high-quality compounded GLP-1 can achieve tailored dosing.”
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“Many of the patients who stopped their GLP-1 medications could have continued them with appropriate personalized care.”
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for News Digital.