Medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can lead to dramatic weight loss — but only if people stick with them.
New research from Cleveland Clinic shows that in real-world settings, patients taking GLP-1 drugs for obesity lost less weight than in clinical trials. The main reasons: many stop taking the drugs early or use lower-than-recommended doses.
The study tracked nearly 8,000 adults with severe obesity. Among those who quit early (within three months), average weight loss was just 3.6%. Those who stayed on treatment for a full year and used higher doses lost up to 18%.
The drugs also helped regulate blood sugar. Of patients with prediabetes, 68% who stayed on treatment reached normal levels, compared to only 33% who stopped early.
Common reasons for stopping included cost, insurance hurdles, side effects and medication shortages. Researchers are planning a follow-up to better understand why people discontinue treatment.
The study was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and published in Obesity.