Health and Me

Ishita Roy

4 Reasons Why Older Americans Are Quitting GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and more such GLP-1 weight loss medication took people by surge. Everyone was jumping the bandwagon, this was especially the case in the US. In fact, US President Donald Trump also made these drugs cheaper. This was the trend, until people realized the other side of it. A study published in JAMA in January 2025 examined data from more than 125,000 adults with overweight or obesity and found a striking trend. Nearly 47 per cent of people with type 2 diabetes and 65 per cent of those without diabetes stopped taking GLP-1 <span>weight loss drugs</span> within a year. Among older Americans, drop-off rates appear especially high. Here are the four main reasons why.

GLP-1 medications are expensive, and insurance coverage is often inconsistent. Many older adults start these drugs with manageable co-pays, only to lose coverage later. Without insurance support, monthly costs can cross $1,000, forcing retirees on fixed incomes to stop treatment, even when the medication was working. The New York Times also noted a story of a 75-year0old woman, Mary Bucklew. She is a public transit retiree, who lives om Delware. She was paying just a $25 monthly co-pay through her health insurance plan to receive Ozempic for weight loss. She lost 25 pounds in six months, and gained more energy. However, her insurance company notified that the would no longer cover the drug, despite her arguing that this was absolutely necessary for her health.

"Far too many people who need obesity treatments still face cost and coverage barriers," said Ilya Yuffa, executive vice president and president for Lilly USA, in the announcement. "Today’s action underscores Lilly’s commitment to improving access across the obesity care landscape. We will keep working to provide more options, expanding choices for delivery devices and creating new pathways for access — so more people can get the medicines they need."

<h2>Side effects hit older bodies harder</h2>

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, fatigue, and headaches are common with <span>GLP-1 drugs</span>. Experts have pointed out that older adults are often more sensitive to these effects, especially if they are already prone to dehydration or have underlying kidney issues. For many, the discomfort outweighs the benefits.

<h2>Muscle loss raises safety concerns</h2>

Weight loss from GLP-1 drugs does not come entirely from fat. Studies cited by the American Heart Association show that a significant portion comes from muscle. Since muscle mass already declines with age, further loss can increase the risk of falls, fractures, and physical frailty in older adults.

<h2>Lack of personalized medical follow-up</h2>

Experts say many patients stop treatment because they are not closely monitored. Without tailored dosing, nutrition guidance, hydration support, and strength-preserving strategies, side effects worsen and benefits fade. With better supervision, some seniors might have stayed on these medications longer.

GLP-1 drugs, also known as GLP-1 agonists, were first developed for diabetes care. They work much like the body’s own GLP-1 hormone, which is released after meals to prompt insulin production. Those living with diabetes often do not make enough insulin to keep blood sugar steady. A GLP-1 medication boosts insulin release so blood sugar stays more stable. These drugs often support weight reduction as well.

For many people with diabetes, weight control plays an important role in managing the condition. GLP-1 drugs reduce hunger and help the stomach empty more slowly, creating a longer sense of fullness. This can lead to marked weight loss in people with or without diabetes.

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Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and more such GLP-1 weight loss medication took people by surge. Everyone was jumping the bandwagon, this was especially the case in the US. In fact, US President Donald Trump also made these drugs cheaper. This was the trend, until people realized the other side of it. A study published in JAMA in January 2025 examined data from more than 125,000 adults with overweight or obesity and found a striking trend. Nearly 47 per cent of people with type 2 diabetes and 65 per cent of those without diabetes stopped taking GLP-1 weight loss drugs within a year. Among older Americans, drop-off rates appear especially high. Here are the four main reasons why.The cost becomes unsustainableGLP-1 medications are expensive, and insurance coverage is often inconsistent. Many older adults start these drugs with manageable co-pays, only to lose coverage later. Without insurance support, monthly costs can cross $1,000, forcing retirees on fixed incomes to stop treatment, even when the medication was working. The New York Times also noted a story of a 75-year0old woman, Mary Bucklew. She is a public transit retiree, who lives om Delware. She was paying just a $25 monthly co-pay through her health insurance plan to receive Ozempic for weight loss. She lost 25 pounds in six months, and gained more energy. However, her insurance company notified that the would no longer cover the drug, despite her arguing that this was absolutely necessary for her health."Far too many people who need obesity treatments still face cost and coverage barriers," said Ilya Yuffa, executive vice president and president for Lilly USA, in the announcement. "Today’s action underscores Lilly’s commitment to improving access across the obesity care landscape. We will keep working to provide more options, expanding choices for delivery devices and creating new pathways for access — so more people can get the medicines they need."Side effects hit older bodies harderNausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, fatigue, and headaches are common with GLP-1 drugs. Experts have pointed out that older adults are often more sensitive to these effects, especially if they are already prone to dehydration or have underlying kidney issues. For many, the discomfort outweighs the benefits.Muscle loss raises safety concernsWeight loss from GLP-1 drugs does not come entirely from fat. Studies cited by the American Heart Association show that a significant portion comes from muscle. Since muscle mass already declines with age, further loss can increase the risk of falls, fractures, and physical frailty in older adults.Lack of personalized medical follow-upExperts say many patients stop treatment because they are not closely monitored. Without tailored dosing, nutrition guidance, hydration support, and strength-preserving strategies, side effects worsen and benefits fade. With better supervision, some seniors might have stayed on these medications longer.What are GLP-1 Drugs?GLP-1 drugs, also known as GLP-1 agonists, were first developed for diabetes care. They work much like the body’s own GLP-1 hormone, which is released after meals to prompt insulin production. Those living with diabetes often do not make enough insulin to keep blood sugar steady. A GLP-1 medication boosts insulin release so blood sugar stays more stable. These drugs often support weight reduction as well.For many people with diabetes, weight control plays an important role in managing the condition. GLP-1 drugs reduce hunger and help the stomach empty more slowly, creating a longer sense of fullness. This can lead to marked weight loss in people with or without diabetes.