A recent study has shed light on the challenges faced by individuals using GLP-1 medications for weight loss and diabetes management. These drugs, while popular, see a significant rate of discontinuation within the first year. Many insurance plans cover GLP-1s for diabetes, but not for obesity, creating a financial burden for those without diabetes who still seek these treatments. With costs hovering around $1,000 per month before insurance or rebates, affordability remains a critical issue.
The study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed electronic health records from over 125,000 adults who began taking GLP-1 drugs. It found that approximately 65% of patients without diabetes discontinued the medication within a year. In contrast, those with Type 2 diabetes were less likely to quit, with a discontinuation rate of about 46%. This data suggests that the presence of diabetes may influence adherence to these medications.
"The associations between weight loss and discontinuation and between weight regain and reinitiation suggest that weight management is an important factor regardless of type 2 diabetes status," – The study authors.
Patients who experienced weight regain after stopping GLP-1s were more inclined to resume the medication, highlighting the ongoing challenge of maintaining weight loss. This cyclical pattern of use underscores the complexity of managing weight and diabetes effectively.
Digital health companies have responded to the growing demand for these medications amidst inconsistent insurance coverage. Firms like Noom, Hims & Hers, Ro, and Sesame have begun offering compounded GLP-1 medications, which are generally more affordable than branded versions. Noom's new program, GLP-1(RX), offers compounded semaglutide—the same active ingredient found in Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic—at a lower cost. Participants pay $149 for the first month and $279 for subsequent months.
The anti-obesity medication market is poised for significant growth, with expectations to reach $100 billion by the decade's end. This potential has influenced strategic decisions within companies like Noom, which recently announced layoffs as part of a shift towards focusing on weight loss and diabetes drugs.
"In an effort to build a more efficient business centered around the needs of our customers, we made the difficult decision to reduce a portion of our workforce," – A Noom spokesperson.
Compounded medications offer a cost-effective alternative to their branded counterparts, making them an attractive option for patients dealing with high costs and limited insurance support. Wegovy and Ozempic both carry price tags around $1,000 per month before insurance, emphasizing the financial challenges faced by users.
The healthcare industry must address the financial barriers and insurance discrepancies affecting access to GLP-1 medications. For individuals without diabetes, these hurdles can mean choosing between continuing treatment or stopping due to cost concerns. Ensuring broader insurance coverage could improve adherence rates and therapeutic outcomes.