A new study found that almost half of adults with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or have obesity stop taking glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists within a year. These medicines, like liraglutide (Victoza), semaglutide (Ozempic), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), are popular for treating type 2 diabetes and weight-related health problems.

The study looked at information from more than 125,000 adults who were overweight or diagnosed with obesity, and over half also had type 2 diabetes. These people started using GLP-1 agonists, but researchers found that 46.5 percent of those with diabetes and 64.8 percent of those without it stopped within a year.

Notably, among people with type 2 diabetes and who were overweight or had obesity who stopped taking GLP-1 agonists, 47.3 percent restarted treatment within a year, often after regaining lost weight. Previous research studies have also found that 35 percent of people with type 2 diabetes (regardless of their body size) discontinued GLP-1s within a year​.

Researchers identified several reasons people stopped taking these drugs. Some couldn’t tolerate the moderate to severe digestive side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation​. For others, the cost of medication may have been a barrier, as people with lower incomes were more likely to stop than those with higher incomes. People who experienced higher levels of weight loss were less likely to stop treatment.

Talk to Your Doctor About Side Effects, Cost Concerns

GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose (sugar) and appetite, making them effective for managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. Interest in these medications has grown in recent years, driven by their success in clinical trials and increasing use for weight management. However, they are not without drawbacks — many people experience side effects, and the high cost can make long-term use difficult.

If you are taking a GLP-1 agonist or any other medication and you’re struggling with side effects or affordability, talk to your doctor before stopping treatment. They may be able to adjust your dosage, suggest another medication, or help you find cost-saving options such as patient assistance programs or insurance coverage alternatives.

Learn more about GLP-1s and other treatments for type 2 diabetes.

Find Your Team

On DiabetesTeam, the social network for people with type 2 diabetes, members share their experiences with GLP-1 medications. Have you taken a GLP-1 receptor agonist? Did you stop or restart treatment? Share your tips and experiences in a comment below, start a conversation on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.