GLP-1 drugs have dominated the weight loss world this year, but some older Americans are reportedly bucking the trend.
A January 2025 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association surveyed more than 125,000 overweight or obese people and found that nearly 47% of people with type 2 diabetes and 65% of people without diabetes stopped taking prescription GLP-1 within a year of starting.
Dr. John Batsis, a geriatrician and obesity expert at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, told The New York Times in a recent report that people over 65 are a “primary target” for the drug because obesity rates among older adults are about 40 percent.
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These drugs mimic a natural intestinal hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and are primarily used for type 2 diabetes and weight management. However, they have also been tested for a variety of other conditions, such as sleep apnea and cardiovascular events.
Research shows that older Americans have stopped using GLP-1 for weight loss.
Stanford Health and other experts say starting and stopping these drugs often results in weight regain, increased appetite and the loss of other related health benefits, such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol. There may also be an increased risk of obesity-related conditions, such as heart disease and sleep apnea.
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Despite the risks, some older Americans are reportedly giving up weight-loss drugs for a variety of reasons, from strong side effects to spiraling costs.
Here are four main reasons why older adults may not adhere to their GLP-1 prescriptions.
The price of GLP-1 drugs is a major factor in keeping up with treatment, especially as drug shortages threaten supply.
The New York Times shared the story of 75-year-old Mary Bucklew, a transit retiree living in Delaware who pays only a $25 monthly out-of-pocket cost through her health insurance plan to receive Ozempic weight loss.
According to reports, the price of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic is a major factor in keeping up with treatment.
Bucklew lost 25 pounds in six months and reportedly gained more energy. But her insurance company informed her they would no longer cover the drug, even though she argued it was necessary for her health.
Without insurance, Bucklew’s prescription drugs cost more than $1,000 a month out of pocket and she had no choice but to stop taking them, the report said.
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Some GLP-1 manufacturers have made efforts to make their products more accessible. In December 2025, Eli Lilly announced that it would reduce the price of single-dose vials of Zepbound (tezepatide).
“Too many people who need obesity treatment still face cost and coverage barriers,” Ilya Yuffa, executive vice president and president of Eli Lilly US, said in the statement. “Today’s action underscores Eli Lilly’s commitment to improving access across the entire obesity care landscape. We will continue our efforts to provide more options – expanding the selection of delivery devices and creating new access pathways – so that more people can get the medicines they need.”
Dr. Sue Decotiis, a medical weight loss physician in New York City, confirmed in an interview with Fox News Digital that more than half of older adults stop taking GLP-1 medications due to cost or side effects.
Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common side effects of GLP-1.
Experts say common side effects often include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, headache, fatigue and thinning hair.
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“Older patients may also be more sensitive to gastrointestinal side effects,” DeCortis said. “Careful monitoring by a physician with extensive knowledge in the field of medical weight loss is necessary.”
Decotiis said older patients are often dehydrated from the start and don’t take in enough water to offset the side effects of GLP-1.
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“Body composition scales can determine water muscle mass and bone density and can graphically show patients what they need to do,” she advises.
In Novo Nordisk’s official Wegovy prescribing information, the drugmaker warns that nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may lead to dehydration and says “it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration,” especially for people with underlying kidney problems.
Decotiis warned that muscle loss is another side effect of GLP-1 drugs that can be “harmful” for people in this age group.
When people are dehydrated or don’t eat enough protein, they may lose more muscle and less fat, she said.
Experts warn that muscle mass naturally decreases as we age, and weight loss drugs may exacerbate this.
An October 2024 review from the American Heart Association cites two recent studies showing that less than half of the weight lost with GLP-1 drugs comes from fat, with much of it coming from muscle mass.
Muscle loss in older adults leads to an increased risk of falls and fractures. According to Harvard Health, after age 35, muscle mass may decrease by up to 2% per year, and after age 60 this number increases to 3%.
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Experts agree that there are certain things people can do to manage the risk of muscle loss associated with semaglutide.
Dr. Brett Osborne, a neurosurgeon and longevity expert in Florida, previously told Fox News Digital: “The first thing is to increase the monitoring of patients and doctors.” He recommended that doctors regularly measure and adjust the patient’s body. Dosage If the benchmark is not met.
DeCottis said health care providers who approve the use of these drugs without “careful follow-up” of patients could cause the drugs to fail.
“Often, using a customized dosing plan can help patients avoid excessive side effects and help them burn more fat, which is how GLP drugs work long-term and systemically,” she told Fox News Digital. “For some patients, high-quality compounded GLP-1 can enable customized dosing.”
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“Many patients who quit their GLP-1 medications could have continued taking these medications with the right personalized care.”
Original source of the article: 4 main reasons why older Americans are giving up GLP-1 diet pills