Older Americans Abandoning Weight-Loss Drugs Despite Health Benefits

GLP-1 medications have dominated the weight-loss industry in 2025, but a significant number of older Americans are discontinuing these treatments despite their proven effectiveness.

A study published in JAMA in January 2025, which analyzed more than 125,000 overweight or obese individuals, found that nearly half (47%) of those with type 2 diabetes and 65% of those without diabetes stopped taking their prescribed GLP-1 medications within a year of starting them.

According to Dr. John Batsis, a geriatrician and obesity specialist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, people over 65 are “prime targets” for these medications, as obesity affects approximately 40% of older adults. This demographic could potentially benefit significantly from the treatments, yet many are abandoning them.

GLP-1 drugs, which mimic a natural gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, were initially developed for type 2 diabetes but have gained widespread popularity for weight management. Research has also shown their potential benefits for other conditions including sleep apnea and cardiovascular health.

However, discontinuing these medications comes with serious consequences. When patients stop taking GLP-1s, they typically experience weight regain, increased appetite, and lose associated health benefits such as reduced blood pressure and cholesterol. This can also increase their risk of developing or worsening obesity-related conditions like heart disease and sleep apnea.

Despite these risks, older Americans are giving up their weight-loss prescriptions for several key reasons.

Cost Barriers Create Access Issues

The high price of GLP-1 medications remains a significant barrier for many seniors, especially as ongoing shortages affect availability. The New York Times reported the case of Mary Bucklew, a 75-year-old public transit retiree from Delaware who had been paying just a $25 monthly co-pay through her health insurance plan for Ozempic.

Bucklew lost 25 pounds over six months and experienced increased energy levels. However, her insurance company eventually stopped covering the drug, despite her arguments about its necessity for her health. Without coverage, her prescription would cost more than $1,000 per month out of pocket, forcing her to discontinue the treatment.

Some manufacturers have attempted to address affordability concerns. In December 2025, pharmaceutical giant Lilly announced price reductions for Zepbound (tirzepatide) single-dose vials, acknowledging that “far too many people who need obesity treatments still face cost and coverage barriers.”

Side Effects Drive Discontinuation

Dr. Sue Decotiis, a medical weight loss specialist in New York City, confirmed to Fox News Digital that side effects are a primary reason older adults stop taking GLP-1 medications.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, headaches, fatigue, and hair thinning. “Older patients may be more sensitive to the GI side effects,” Decotiis noted. “Careful monitoring by a physician who is knowledgeable in the area of medical weight loss is imperative.”

Dehydration Risks

Seniors are particularly vulnerable to dehydration when taking GLP-1 medications. According to Decotiis, older patients often begin treatment already dehydrated and don’t consume enough water to offset the gastrointestinal side effects of these drugs.

Novo Nordisk, manufacturer of Wegovy, explicitly warns in its prescribing information that nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. The company emphasizes that “it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration,” especially for people with underlying kidney issues.

Muscle Loss Concerns

Perhaps most concerning for the geriatric population is the risk of muscle loss associated with GLP-1 medications. Decotiis described this side effect as “detrimental” for seniors, explaining that dehydration and inadequate protein consumption can cause patients to lose more muscle and less fat.

An October 2024 review from the American Heart Association cited studies showing that less than half of the weight lost from GLP-1 medications came from fat, with a substantial portion coming from muscle mass. This is particularly problematic for older individuals, as muscle mass naturally decreases by up to 2% annually after age 35, increasing to 3% after age 60.

Loss of muscle mass in seniors significantly increases the risk of falls and fractures, which can have devastating health consequences in this population.

Improving Treatment Adherence

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in treatment success. Decotiis suggests that many patients who discontinue GLP-1 drugs could have maintained their treatment with personalized care plans.

“Often, using a customized dosing plan helps the patient avoid undue side effects and helps them burn more fat, which is the mechanism by which GLP drugs work long-term and systemically,” she explained. “For certain patients, a high-quality compounded GLP-1 can achieve tailored dosing.”

As GLP-1 medications continue to evolve with new formulations, including recently approved oral options, the healthcare industry faces the challenge of making these treatments more accessible and sustainable for older Americans who could benefit from their weight management and metabolic effects.